We answer some common questions about heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion, as well as how Zantac can help with your symptoms.
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid rising into your oesophagus (the tube that connects your throat and stomach). Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning feeling or pain that starts in your chest and can move up to your neck and throat. Heartburn usually occurs after you have eaten something and can be worse when lying down or bending over.
Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a range of troublesome symptoms which can include pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen such as feeling full too soon or uncomfortably full after eating a meal, feeling bloated after eating, feeling sick (nausea), belching or bringing up (regurgitating food). Acid indigestion is the acid related symptoms of indigestion, which may include a burning pain rising up from your chest (heartburn).
Acid reflux is when the acid in your stomach leaks (or refluxes) up into your oesophagus (the tube that connects your throat and stomach).
Acid reflux can cause heartburn and less commonly regurgitation of food contents.
If these changes don’t help, medications that are available without a prescription at your local pharmacy can help provide relief when taken as directed on the pack.
Zantac is available in two strengths:
Zantac contains 150mg ranitidine (as hydrochloride) that provides 12-hour active relief from heartburn and acid indigestion due to acid reflux.
Zantac Double Strength contains 300mg ranitidine (as hydrochloride) that provides long-lasting 24-hour relief from heartburn and acid indigestion due to acid reflux.
One tablet of Zantac contains 150mg ranitidine (as hydrochloride) and Zantac Double Strength contains 300mg ranitidine (as hydrochloride). Zantac provides 12-hour relief and Zantac Double Strength provides 24-hour relief from symptoms of heartburn and acid indigestion. Zantac Double Strength is designed for the convenience of people who routinely need to take two Zantac tablets to relieve their heartburn symptoms.
The dosage needed to relieve heartburn symptoms may vary from person to person based on the frequency and severity of your heartburn symptoms.
If you find you routinely need to take two 150mg tablets to relieve your symptoms, you can, instead, take one 300mg Zantac Double Strength tablet.
Please read the pack for full directions for use. Do not use Zantac for more than 14 days continuously. If symptoms persist, or if new additional symptoms occur, consult a doctor.
Like other medications, Zantac may cause some side effects. The most frequent side effects reported include headaches, tiredness, dizziness and mild gastrointestinal disturbance (e.g. diarrhoea, constipation and nausea).
If you notice any symptoms that concern you or if the tablets cause any side effects, stop taking them and tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Heartburn can be a common problem during pregnancy. The good news is it can often disappear after birth.
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, likely to get pregnant or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will tell you if you can take Zantac. You should always talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy.
No, antacids are not the same as Zantac. Antacids reduce heartburn symptoms by neutralizing existing stomach acid.
Zantac is a H2-Receptor blocker that relieves heartburn by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. Unlike antacids that may require multiple doses a day, Zantac can provide all long-lasting relief with just one tablet.
If you are unsure which is the right treatment for you, please speak to your healthcare professional.
No, Zantac is a H2-Receptor blocker and has a different mechanism of action than PPIs to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Zantac can help relieve mild, intermittent heartburn. PPIs are often used when you experience heartburn more frequently i.e. 2 or more times a week.
If you are unsure which is the right treatment for you, please speak to your healthcare professional.
Most people don’t need to seek advice from their GP for heartburn. If your heartburn occurs regularly, for example, a few days a week or even every day, it might need further investigation and treatment.
If changes to your diet and lifestyle or over-the-counter medicines aren’t working (or you think you’re relying on them too much) other treatments might be needed and you should see your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following:
