Zantac

[Hotpinkangel19]

Can I take Zantac? I'm 20 weeks pregnant and have a constant lump feeling in my throat and heartburn.

Yes, my consultant advised I could take up to 150mg ranitidine (Zantac) twice a day.

Which would be two tablets twice a day.

Thank you!

You probably should check with the pharmacist re any other interactions but they seemed wholly unconcerned about me taking it!

You "can" take zantac when pregnant but it is a category B1 medication for pregnant. This means you should ONLY be taking it on medical advice and the manufacturer states that it should be "avoided unless essential".
Please do not take any more without talking to your doctor first.
Gaviscon is a safe alternative until you are able to see a doctor.
Additionally it will be cheaper on prescription so that will save you money anyway.
Interaction wise this medication is pretty safe with other medications.
To reiterate please contact your doctor before taking this medication.
Please note I am not able to access the most up-to-date information for the UK as I am based in NZ and so I have gotten this information from the NZformulary. (I do have the Birtish Formulary here, my copy is just very old as I have been in NZ for 3 years now :p)

I have had awful Gastritis during this pregnancy and the GP told me I just had to ride it out with Gaviscon... even though I was so ill I couldn't keep it down.

Cue two weeks later and I'm so bad I get admitted to maternity ward to be put on a drip overnight and the consultant prescribed ranitidine immediately and said that it is safe during pregnancy and he thinks GPs are sometimes just scared of pregnant women He said it's important for baby that Mum is healthy and not in pain so as long as you are happy it's justified then go for it.