Zantac: How to Determine If You Need Prescription or Over the Counter

Zantac is the brand name under which GlaxoSmithKline sells a medicine containing Ranitidine. Stomach cells that secrete gastric acid are called parietal cells, the gastric acid helps in the digestion process. In certain abnormal situations however gastric juices that are acidic in nature return to the esophagus causing acidity, heartburn and in some cases GERD. Zantac blocks the action of parietal cells thereby preventing acidity and the other associated symptoms. Zantac is not the only medicine comprising ranitidine sold over the counter (OTC), but it's among the most popular.

Zantac comes in different strengths in different countries. In United States 75 mg and 150 mg tablets are available over the counter, in Australia 150 mg and 300 mg tablets are available in small packages, however for a larger strength or a bigger package, and prescriptions are required.

Glaxo developed Ranitidine and Zantac when cimetidine, manufactured by their French counterpart was popularly used to achieve the same result. By bringing about some changes in the structure of cimetidine they came up with Ranitidine. Beginning in 1988, Zantac's popularity kept on increasing. In fact according to PSL Group in the following 5 years Zantac succeeded in becoming the most popular H2 antagonist drug from any manufacturer in the USA.

There are many reasons for this tremendous popularity of Zantac, it's a hit with patients as it relieves the symptoms rather easily and in a short time, as Zantac has never had any serious drug interaction warnings it's easy to recommend by physicians, GlaxoSmithKline has a good marketing strategy and a robust infrastructure, therefore Zantac is an attractive drug to dealers and distributors too.

One noteworthy quality of Zantac is, unlike most antacids, Zantac does not neutralize the formation of gastric juice in the stomach, and it simply reduces the quantity of it produced. Till the time heartburn and acidity escalates to the level of GERD, OTC version of Zantac is able to provide most effective relief to the users. Zantac is often also prescribed by physicians. In such a case the dosage is decided keeping the severity of patient's condition in mind. In its OTC version Zantac can be taken whenever the symptoms cause discomfort.

Four to eight weeks is the commonest duration for which physicians prescribe Zantac to cure ulcers and acidity. Once the disease is eliminated, doctors often continue to prescribe the drug to prevent the ulcers from reforming. The prescription version of Zantac is used as a cure for Ellison Symptom, in which the stomach produces more than required quantities of gastric acid, GERD or even esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus.

Zantac, containing ranitidine does not affect the lower esophageal sphincter, the stomach mucus or the process of excretion. It also leaves pancreatic secretion unaffected. Zantac only selectively blocks some H2 histamine receptors, providing relief to the sufferer.

Before commencing on treatment with Ranitidine or Zantac, its necessary to be sure that there are no malignancies in any area of the stomach, as ranitidine would suppress those symptoms and the condition may thus go untreated. For relieving simple acidity, Zantac is most effective when taken in the night, before retiring.