Ranitidine tablets are used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines, as well as a condition where the stomach produces too much acid, known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome [1]. They are also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that causes heartburn and acid indigestion [1].
What kind of medicine is ranitidine?
Ranitidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist [1]. It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach [1]. This action helps to relieve symptoms and promote healing of damage caused by excess stomach acid [1].
What is ranitidine commonly known as?
Ranitidine was widely known by the brand name Zantac [2]. However, Zantac and other ranitidine products were voluntarily recalled and removed from the U.S. market in 2020 due to concerns about a contaminant called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) [3].
What happened to ranitidine products?
In 2020, ranitidine products, including Zantac, were recalled from the U.S. market. This action followed reports of NDMA, a probable human carcinogen, being found in some ranitidine medications [3]. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that NDMA levels could increase in ranitidine products over time and when stored under normal conditions, leading to unacceptable exposure levels [3].
Are there alternatives to ranitidine?
Yes, several alternatives are available for treating conditions previously managed with ranitidine. These include other H2-receptor antagonists like famotidine (Pepcid) and cimetidine (Tagamet), as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), and lansoprazole (Prevacid) [4]. These medications also reduce stomach acid production but work through different mechanisms [4].
What are the side effects of ranitidine?
While ranitidine is no longer available, common side effects reported during its use included headache, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain [1]. More serious side effects were rare but could include changes in heartbeat, confusion, and liver problems [1].
What is NDMA and why was it found in ranitidine?
NDMA is a probable human carcinogen that can be found in food and water, but typically at very low levels [3]. In ranitidine products, NDMA was found to form from the breakdown of the ranitidine molecule itself, particularly as the drug aged or was exposed to higher temperatures [3].
Sources:
1. Ranitidine - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings - Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/ranitidine.html
2. Ranitidine - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranitidine
3. Ranitidine Recall: What You Need to Know - FDA https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/ranitidine-recall-what-you-need-know
4. H2 Blockers vs. PPIs: Which is right for you? - Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/h2-blockers-vs-ppis-which-is-right-for-you/