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• What your syrup does

Zantac syrup contains ranitidine, one of a group of medicines called H2 antagonists. They cut down the amount of acid in your stomach, which can make the following medical conditions better:

• Ulcer disease of the stomach, or the part it empties into, the duodenum.
• Problems caused by acid in the gullet (oesophagitis).
• Other problems like these which can cause pain or discomfort sometimes known as "indigestion", "dyspepsia", or "heartburn".
• Some medicines for arthritis can cause ulcers as a side effect - if you are on this sort of treatment your doctor may have prescribed Zantac syrup to try to keep you free of ulcers.

If you are not sure why you are taking this syrup ask your doctor.

• Before you take your syrup

If you have been told you are allergic to Zantac or ranitidine, or

If you think you may be pregnant, or

If you are breast-feeding, or

If you have been told you have the rare condition called porphyria

Does the doctor who prescribed it know this?

If not, tell your doctor before taking any syrup.

Even so your doctor may still want you to take it.

• Look at the label

It should say WHO should take it, HOW MANY 5ml spoonfuls and WHEN. If it does not, or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not mix Zantac syrup with anything (not even water) before taking it.

The usual adult dose is two 5ml spoonfuls in the morning and two in the evening.

(If prescribed for a CHILD, make sure the syrup is taken as the label says)

• After starting your syrup

After a few days you should feel much better but do not stop taking the syrup or the pain and discomfort may return. Most people taking this medicine find it causes no problems. As with most medicines, a few people may find they have side effects from it.

• Where to keep your syrup

Keep Zantac syrup away from heat which could spoil it. As with all medicines, keep the syrup safely away from children. A child may be harmed by medicine prescribed for someone else.

More information on ZANTAC SYRUP

• What is in your syrup

Each 5ml spoonful of the syrup contains:

The active ingredient ranitidine (as the hydrochloride) 75mg

Other ingredients include preservatives, propylhydroxybenzoate (E216) and butylhydroxybenzoate, alcohol (ethanol 7 5%), saccharin, sorbitol. sodium chloride and disodium hydrogen phosphate in a mint-flavoured, sugar-free syrup.

• Side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause unwanted effects. Most people taking this medicine find it causes them no problems.

A few people can be allergic to some medicines; if any of the following side effects come on soon after taking the syrup, STOP the syrup and tell your doctor immediately:

• Sudden wheeziness or tightness in the chest.
• Swelling of eyelids, face or lip; with or without a lumpy skin rash ("hives") anywhere on the body.

Also check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of these side effects are noticed:

• Skin rash (red spots)
• Jaundice (yellow colour of skin)
• Confusion

Also check with your doctor at your next visit if any of these side effects are noticed:

If you are unwell or have any unusual discomfort you do not understand tell your doctor.

• What to do if you miss a dose

If you forget to take a dose, take another as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.

• What to do if you take too much syrup

It is important to stick to the dose on the label of your medicine. Taking more than this is unlikely to be dangerous unless a lot of syrup is taken at once.

In that case, do not delay; ask your doctor what to do or contact your nearest hospital emergency department.

• Breast feeding

Although ranitidine from Zantac syrup gets into mother’s milk, it is unlikely to cause problems, but remember to tell your doctor if you are breast feeding.

• If you don t get better

If you have taken all the syrup and you still feel unwell, or if you have not taken all the syrup but feel worse, TELL YOUR DOCTOR.

• What to do with any unused syrup

If your doctor stops your treatment, return any unused syrup to a pharmacist for safe disposal.

Only keep your syrup if your doctor tells you to. Do not take the syrup after the expiry date on the bottle or carton.

• Remember

This medicine is for YOU. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to someone else. There may be reasons why it could harm that person.

• Further information

This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If, after reading this information, you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist who has the information you need and will advise you.

Pharmaceutical Companies are not allowed to answer questions from patients about their diseases. You may well be able to find out more about prescribed medicines from books in public libraries.

This information has been provided in accordance with guidance issued by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. The information provided applies only to ZANTAC SYRUP.

ZANTAC is a trademark.

Product licence held by Glaxo Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, Stockley Park, England

Manufactured by Glaxo Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, Speke, Liverpool, England

Glaxo Laboratories Limited, Stockley Park West, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB11 1BT

Leaflet written September 1993.