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Ranitidine HCl
Sold under the brand name Zantac®, ranitidine hydrochloride (HCl) is available both as a prescription medication and an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. It is used to treat conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. For example, people often take prescription ranitidine to treat:
- Duodenal ulcers
- Gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Over-the-counter ranitidine is approved for the following conditions:
- Heartburn
- Acid indigestion
- Sour stomach.
Ranitidine comes in the form of a tablet and is taken one to four times a day, depending on the condition being treated. It belongs to a class of drugs known as H2 blockers (it is sometimes referred to as an "acid reducer").
(To learn more, click Ranitidine. This article gives a complete overview of how to use it, what to expect, why this product may not be suitable for certain people, and more.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD