Ranitidine – What You Need to Know About Zantac and Heartburn

If you’ve bought an over‑the‑counter heartburn pill, chances are it was ranitidine, sold under the brand name Zantac. It’s a drug that reduces stomach acid, making it useful for heartburn, ulcers, and a condition called GERD. In plain terms, it tells your stomach to produce less acid, which eases burning and helps ulcers heal.

Ranitidine belongs to a class called H2 blockers. Think of H2 as a “stop” button for acid production. You take it as a tablet, a liquid, or sometimes a chewable tablet. The usual adult dose for occasional heartburn is 150 mg twice a day or 300 mg once a day. For ulcers, doctors might prescribe higher doses for a few weeks, then taper off.

How Ranitidine Works and When It’s Used

When you eat, your stomach releases acid to break down food. H2 receptors on stomach cells get the signal to crank up acid production. Ranitidine blocks those receptors, so the signal can’t get through. The result? Less acid, less irritation.

People use ranitidine for:

• Frequent heartburn or indigestion.
• Stomach ulcers caused by bacteria (H. pylori) or NSAID use.
• Gastric reflux disease (GERD) that doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes.
• Preventing acid‑related issues after certain surgeries.

In most cases, it starts working within an hour, and the effect can last up to 12 hours. That’s why a twice‑daily schedule often covers you through the day and night.

Safety Concerns and What’s Happened Recently

Back in 2019, labs found traces of a chemical called NDMA in some ranitidine batches. NDMA is classified as a probable carcinogen, meaning it could raise cancer risk if you’re exposed to high amounts for a long time. Because of that, regulators around the world recalled many ranitidine products and halted new manufacturing.

If you still have ranitidine at home, check the expiration date and the lot number. Many pharmacies have taken it off the shelves, but some places still sell it under special approval. If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist or doctor for a safer alternative.

Common alternatives include other H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid) or proton‑pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole (Prilosec). These drugs work a bit differently but also lower stomach acid. Your doctor can help you decide which one fits your situation best.

Side effects of ranitidine are usually mild: headache, dizziness, or a slight upset stomach. Rarely, people get allergic reactions or liver issues. If you notice any rash, trouble breathing, or persistent stomach pain, stop the medication and seek medical help.

Bottom line: Ranitidine can be a handy tool for heartburn, but the NDMA findings mean you should be extra careful. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting or continuing it, and keep an eye on any recalls that might affect the batch you have.