Why Choose Zantac®

Because heartburn is different for everyone, there are a range of treatment options available. Read through the columns below for information about each group of heartburn medications to find out which one is right for you.

If you choose Zantac®, you’ll be happy to know that Zantac® has been a trusted name in heartburn relief for more than two decades. The active ingredient, ranitidine, has been prescribed by doctors to effectively treat and prevent heartburn for millions of patients.

Popular OTC* Treatment Options

What is an Antacid?

Antacids work by neutralizing acid already present in the stomach. They do not prevent heartburn. Antacids provide fast relief of acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach and upset stomach associated with these symptoms. They can provide quick relief of heartburn and allow for frequent dosing to treat recurrent symptoms. Tums® and Maalox® are examples of Antacids.

Antacids:

  • Work by neutralizing acid already in the stomach
  • Relief of heartburn
  • Not approved for prevention of heartburn

How do H2 Blockers work?

H2 Blockers reduce stomach acid production indirectly by preventing the activation of a pump that releases acid into the stomach. They can relieve heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. And they can relieve heartburn fast.

H2 Blockers can also prevent heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach brought on by eating or drinking certain foods or beverages. They may be dosed up to twice a day for long-lasting heartburn relief. Zantac® is an example of an H2 Blocker.

H2 Blockers:

  • Relieve and/or prevent heartburn by blocking the production of acid in the stomach
  • Can be dosed up to twice a day

What are Proton Pump Inhibitors?

Proton Pump Inhibitors (also called PPIs) reduce stomach acid production by deactivating the enzyme required to produce acid. They may take 1– 4 days to be fully effective. These medications are not intended for immediate relief of heartburn. An example of a PPI is Prilosec OTC®.

Proton Pump Inhibitors:

  • Not intended for immediate relief of heartburn
  • Requires 14-day course of treatment
  • OTC PPIs are approved only for frequent heartburn (occurs 2 or more days a week)

* Over-the-counter

Zantac® works fast to prevent heartburn when taken before a meal, or quickly relieves tough symptoms once they’ve started, providing up to 12 hours of relief. If you decide that Zantac® is right for you, Click here >

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. either owns or uses under license the Zantac®; Zantac 75®; Zantac 150®, Heartburn? Attack it. Zantac®.™ Prilosec OTC®, Tums® and Maalox® are the other trademarks referenced above that are owned by third parties not affiliated with Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.