Is zantac still available?

Let’s face it, we all love to stuff our faces with some delicious food. Whether it is that yummy burger or your favorite spicy curry, indulging in some mouth-watering foods can be pure bliss. But what about the aftermath? If you’re someone who suffers from heartburn, then you know just how uncomfortable and painful it can be.

Thankfully there are several over-the-counter medications that offer relief for heartburn sufferers. One such medication is Zantac. However, recent news has left many wondering if Zantac is still available on the market.

What Exactly Is Zantac?

Before we delve into whether or not Zantac is still on the market, let’s first understand what this medication really is.

Zantac (Ranitidine) belongs to a group of drugs called H2 blockers which work by reducing acid production in the stomach thus alleviating symptoms associated with excess acid secretion like heartburn, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder), and ulcers.

How Does It Work?

As mentioned earlier, Ranitidine (the active ingredient in Zantac) works by suppressing gastric acid secretion hence preventing /mucosal/ damage due to acidic contents present in your stomach juice. By doing so , they help relieve symptoms set off by excessive acidity

Even though it’s an effective OTC product for treating mild-to-moderate digestive distress; its frequent use at high doses over prolonged periods may put one at risk of suffering various adverse reactions examples being hepatic impairment alcohol intolerance among others

So…Is It Still Available On The Market Or Not?!

To answer this big question: yes and no!

In 2019 Sep; FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication limiting Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC,RaniPak generic tablets recall to less-frequently used medications missed by initial voluntary recalls effected last year April/Mar; where 3mg dosage of extended-release Ranitidine used to treat ulcers was found contaminated with high levels of carcinogen probable human carcinogen – NDMA.

A few months later, the FDA requested that all ranitidine manufacturers recall their products. This development came after an alarming discovery that some samples contained dangerous levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a chemical known to cause cancer in humans.

As a result, Zantac and other ranitidine-containing medications were taken off shelves by pharmacies, drug distributors and manufacturers voluntarily as well as per the directive from the Food and Drug Authority hence suspended marketing in many countries globally.

Is There Any Way To Get It Now?

It is essential first to understand that even though Zantac has been removed from pharmacy stores; it does not imply that you cannot buy it. While one may struggle getting original brand products on most platforms online following its suspension for testing matter; generic versions are available still promising solutions at less cost but efficacy might vary based on respective manufacturer/Importer quality management standards & potency

So What Are The Alternatives To Zantac?

While now there might seem like there’s no end in sight for the heartburn sufferers.Too good I say both prescription-only or over-the-counter alternatives exist And also rather than using H2 blockers alone else referred to as acid suppressors entirely ; several effective alternative help relieve your symptoms while cutting down reliance on pills by side effect prevention inclusive long term healthy lifestyle habits such :

  • Avoiding spices
  • Eating slowly
  • Taking probiotics
  • Sleeping with elevated headrest positions

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be an excellent option if you’re looking for something soluble at alleviating severe cases GERD, including Barrett’s esophagus.Amongst others .Prescription-only formulas of these drugs, such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), Omeprazole etc, can be purchased in pharmacy stores while for over the counter forms -buyers may take note of varying doses and mode administration regime to get right choice.

PPIs work by blocking an enzyme system found on membrane tubulovesicles destined within specific cells that line stomach walls. The said proton pump catalyzes the final stage in generating the acid components present your stomach lining.hence along with suppressing complete gastric secretion extra base molecules neutralizing already released acidic contents preventing peptic cells damage.

Antacids

Antacids a weaker class medication perfect when tackling mild cases heartburn mainly; they neutralize acids produced Basically they’re usually composed of alkaline compounds like magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate which combine with excess HCL henceget rid unneeded overproduction. Products under this category include Gaviscon Tums Maalox etc.

Conclusion

As we wrap this up its every consumer’s responsibility to carry out thorough background checks before ingesting any OTC product . While digestive distress can feel unbearable at times knowing limitations and not self-treating undocumented symptoms could prevent exacerbation additional serious underlying conditions who where previously undiagnosed.. So stay safe and always consult medical personnel concerned incase unsure alternative solutions especially given new recent developments arising from health concerns

Random Posts