Zantac Alternatives

In September 2019, manufacturers began recalling Zantac and its generic, ranitidine, from the market after FDA received reports of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) contamination.

In April 2020, the agency requested that all manufacturers withdraw all ranitidine products from the market immediately. The FDA’s investigation determined that NDMA increased over time in some ranitidine products and could expose consumers to unacceptable levels. The Zantac recalls and market withdrawal don’t affect the new Zantac 360 over-the-counter formula made with famotidine.

As of 2022, ranitidine is no longer on the market, and consumers may be searching for alternatives. In addition to FDA-recommended Zantac alternatives, consumers may be able to make diet and lifestyle changes to manage heartburn.

People who want to switch medications should speak with their medical providers before stopping any medications.

Proton pump inhibitors, also called PPIs, are a class of medications that work by targeting proton pumps. Proton pumps are enzymes responsible for creating stomach acid. PPIs cause proton pumps to reduce the amount of acid they produce.

PPIs are available in prescription strength and OTC formulas. Prescription PPIs treat a wide variety of serious acid-related conditions, including GERD, H. pylori bacterial infections, gastric ulcers and erosive esophagitis. Over-the-counter PPIs treat frequent heartburn.

The FDA recommends Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid as prescription-strength Zantac alternatives because it hasn’t found any NDMA in these PPIs.

Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid vs Zantac

Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid are in a different class of drugs than Zantac and they work differently. PPIs and histamine H2-receptor antagonists, or H2 blockers, like Zantac have advantages and disadvantages.

PPIs are powerful acid reducers and can control acid for up to 24 hours when used daily, but they don’t work immediately. Patients may need to take them for a day or more before they start working.

Serious PPI side effects include kidney problems, bone fractures and gastric cancer.

In contrast, H2 blockers like Zantac can only control acid for up to 12 hours. But ranitidine works in as little as 30 minutes, making it more effective for sudden heartburn. Common Zantac side effects are similar to those of PPIs.

Serious side effects include rare instances of liver failure, blood disorders and pancreatitis.

Zantac’s prescription information has never listed cancer as a side effect. But in the wake of the recalls, some people filed Zantac lawsuits claiming the NDMA in the drug caused their cancer and drug manufacturers failed to warn the public.

In addition to PPIs, the FDA recommends other H2 blockers as Zantac alternatives. These include Pepcid (famotidine) and Tagamet (cimetidine). Sanofi also released a new Zantac 360 formula made with famotidine that’s available over-the-counter.

H2 blockers block histamine from cells in the stomach called parietal cells. This prevents stimulation of proton pump enzymes and reduces stomach acid production.

Because H2 blockers work faster than PPIs, they might be better for sudden occasional heartburn or acid reflux. If you took OTC Zantac, these OTC alternatives are a good choice.

Side effects from H2 blockers are rare, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Pepcid’s most common side effect is headache. Tagamet has more side effects, and these include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, rash and gynecomastia — a condition that causes men to develop breasts.

For most people, diet and lifestyle changes can prevent and manage acid reflux, according to Cleveland Clinic. For more serious diseases, people may have to consult their medical provider.

For example, eating smaller, low-fat meals more often instead of three large meals may help. A good example of a smaller, low-fat meal is one that contains about 500 calories and no more than 15 grams of fat, according to Cleveland Clinic gastroenterologist Scott Gabbard.

Certain foods may also help prevent heartburn or GERD. These include high fiber foods such as whole grain cereals, root vegetables and green vegetables.

Watery foods like celery, cucumber, lettuce, watermelon and herbal teas such as ginger tea may weaken stomach acid.