Generic for Ranitidine: An Overview
Ranitidine hydrochloride (
Zantac®) is a medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It is part of a class of drugs known as
H2 blockers. Ranitidine is available both over the counter and by prescription.
Prescription ranitidine was originally manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Over-the-counter ranitidine was first made by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. Both versions are off patent and currently available as generics.
Generic Ranitidine Strengths
For prescription generic ranitidine, the following doses are available:
- Ranitidine 150 mg tablets
- Ranitidine 300 mg tablets.
Generic versions of Zantac syrup or Zantac EFFERdose® tablets are not available. They will not be available until at least 2009, when their first patents expire.
Over-the-counter generic ranitidine is available in the following strengths:
- Ranitidine 75 mg tablets
- Ranitidine 150 mg tablets.
Who Makes Generic Ranitidine?
There are many makers of generic ranitidine. Ask your pharmacist about the different drug companies that manufacture ranitidine generics.