Zantac, the brand name of Ranitidine, is an acid suppressant medicine. The recent FDA alerts about cancer contaminated chemicals (NMDA) in some brands of ranitidine has alarmed many patiens worldwide.

It is being used worldwide for almost 38 years for the following major indications:

1. Heartburn
2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
3. Peptic Ulcer Disease
4. Stress ulcer prophylaxis
5. As adjunctive therapy in chronic urticaria, and
6. Prior to certain medications.

Because of its use as OTC (Over the counter medicine) for heartburn, it is among the commonly used medicine. It was the world's biggest-selling prescription medicine in 1987.

What is NMDA - The cancer-causing chemical in Zantac?

NMDA or N-Nitrosodimethylamine is a water-soluble chemical compound that is present in most industrial products. It is present in low amounts in water and foodstuff especially when cooked or baked. It is highly toxic to the liver and is considered an extremely hazardous environmental agent. It can cause liver fibrosis and cancer.

Are all brands of ranitidine not safe?

Sandoz has voluntarily recalled Zantac, the brand leader. Certain other pharmaceutical companies have also recalled ranitidine. Details are present on the FDA's webpage. Not all brands have been recalled, however, because of the cancer-concerns, most authorities have limited its use till the final decision is made.

What should you do if you are on Zantac?

The FDA advises that consumers using OTC ranitidine may continue its use. However, those on prescription ranitidine may discuss it with their healthcare professionals for alternative medicines.

So, What alternative medicines are available?

To date, the FDA has not found any impurities in the following acid suppressant medicines:

• Nocid or Pepcid (famotidine)

• Tagamet (cimetidine)

• Nexium (Nexum, Esso) (esomeprazole)

• Prevacid (Selanz, Selanz-SR) (lansoprazole) and

• Prilosec (Risek, Ruling) (omeprazole).

Apart from NMDA impurities (Cancer-causing impurities) in Zantac, what are other warnings regarding ranitidine most individuals haven't heard off?

People have been alarmed of the cancer impurities in Zantac recently, but its been in use for almost 38 years. Apart from NMDA impurities, individuals using ranitidine for months and years should also know some of the other serious side effects of ranitidine that are not related to the cancer-causing impurities.

The following are some of the well-known serious side effects of ranitidine:

• Ranitidine causes liver toxicity. this is especially true if it is being given intravenously and for more than five days.

• It may cause confusion especially in the elderly and those with liver or hepatic dysfunction before the start of therapy.

• Chronic use of ranitidine can cause a deficiency of B-complex vitamins. It does so by causing the malabsorption of B-complex vitamins, especially in young females.

• It may mask the symptoms of gastric malignancy.

• It may precipitate an acute attack of porphyria.

• The intravenous formulation may result in hypersensitivity reactions and cardiac conduction abnormalities.