What it means
A histamine-2 receptor antagonist once widely used for heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux diseasegas-troh-ih-sof-uh-JEE-ul REE-fluks dih-ZEEZA long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.gastr/o stomachesophag/o esophagus-al relating toFull entry and ulcers. In April 2020 the FDA asked makers to remove all ranitidine products because a possible cancer-causing impurity (NDMA) could build up in them. Famotidine is a common replacement; the brand Zantac 360 now contains famotidine, not ranitidine.
For the nurse
When a client lists Zantac on a home medication list, ask which product and active ingredient they actually take.
At a glance
| Drug class | histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Zantac (former US product; the name is now used for famotidine) |
Related terms
ulcer
An open sore where the skin or the lining of an organ has broken down.
gastroesophageal reflux disease
A long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.
esomeprazole
A proton pump inhibitor: a drug that sharply lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.