NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Chemotherapy induced anaphylaxis, prevention of recurrence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, urticaria
ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers and benign gastric ulcers, long-term prophylaxis of duodenal ulcer, erosive esophagitis, gastric hypersecretory states, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), prevention of upper gastric bleeding in critically ill patients
BRAND NAME Zantac, Zantac EFFERdose
DRUG CLASS
Antihistamine (H2)
DESCRIPTION
This drug reduces gastric acid secretion, gastric volume and hydrogen ion (acidity) concentration by competitively inhibiting histamine at histamine-2 receptors in gastric cells.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Headache, agitation, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, blood disorders.
CAUTIONS
Notify your doctor if you have allergies to other drugs in this class.
Dosage adjustments may be required in kidney or liver impairment. May cause changes in liver function tests, requiring testing.
Do not use for long term treatment without doctor supervision.
Mental confusion and delirium have occurred in the
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Antacids, metoclopramide, diazepam, sulfonylureas, theophylline, warfarin.
This drug inhibits a specific set of liver enzymes that are responsible for the metabolism (clearance or activation) of many other drugs, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing effectiveness.
When these drugs are given in combination with cimetidine, dosage adjustments may be needed. As these are too numerous to list, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting a new medication, herbal product, or nonprescription drug.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
May be taken without regard to food.
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
St. John’s wort
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category B. Excreted in breast milk. Consult with your doctor.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
If taken with antacids separate by taking one hour before or two hours after the antacid. Avoid excessive alcohol use with this drug. This information refers to the use of the prescription product only.
