Prescription Drug Index

Zantac is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of active duodenal ulcer and active benign gastric ulcer and as maintenance therapy for gastric or duodenal ulcer at a reduced dosage after the ulcer has healed. It is also used for the treatment of conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis for gastroesophageal reflux disease (backflow of acid stomach contents) and for healing--and maintaining healing of--erosive esophagitis (severe inflammation of the esophagus).

Some doctors prescribe Zantac to prevent damage to the stomach and duodenum from long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Indocin and Motrin and to treat bleeding of the stomach and intestine. Zantac is also sometimes prescribed for stress-induced ulcers.

ADULTS

Active Duodenal Ulcer

The usual starting dose is 150 milligrams 2 times a day or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls) 2 times a day. Your doctor also might prescribe 300 milligrams or 20 milliliters (4 teaspoonfuls) once a day after the evening meal or at bedtime if necessary for your convenience. The dose should be the lowest effective dose. Long-term use should be reduced to a daily total of 150 milligrams or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls) taken at bedtime.

Other Excess Acid Conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome)

The usual dose is 150 milligrams or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls) 2 times a day. This dose can be adjusted upwards by your doctor.

Benign Gastric Ulcer and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

The usual dose is 150 milligrams or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls) 2 times a day. Once an ulcer has cleared up a single bedtime dose is prescribed to maintain healing. Symptoms of GERD generally improve within 24 hours after the start of therapy.

Erosive Esophagitis

The usual dose is 150 milligrams or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls) 4 times a day. Maintenance dosage is 150 milligrams or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls) twice a day.

CHILDREN

Duodenal and Gastric Ulcers

For children 1 month to 16 years of age the recommended dosage for initial treatment is 2 to 4 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day twice daily up to a maximum of 300 milligrams per day. For long-term maintenance of healing the recommendation is 2 to 4 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily up to a maximum of 150 milligrams per day.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Erosive Esophagitis

For children 1 month to 16 years of age the usual daily dosage is 5 to 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight divided into two doses.

Note:

The content in this section is provided for informational purposes only. This information regarding the following Canadian drugs is not intended to replace or act as a substitute for information or advice provided by your physician. You should always consult a physician before beginning a new medication. Moreover, prescription drugs should only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.

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