What is Acid Reducer: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Acid Reducer overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Acid Reducer, Good Sense Acid Reducer, Leader Acid Control, Good Sense Acid Reducer, Leader Acid Control, Zantac 150, Zantac 75, Zantac 150, Zantac 300, Zantac 75, TopCare Heartburn Relief 150, TopCare Heartburn Relief 75, Zantac, Zantac 150, Zantac 300, Pepcid AC, Quality Choice Acid Controller, Sunmark Acid Reducer, TopCare Acid Reducer, TopCare Acid Reducer, Pepcid, Acid Reducer, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Acid Reducer, Good Sense Acid Reducer, Heartburn Relief, Leader Acid Reducer, Acid Controller

Generic Names:

  • Acid Reducer

Uses:

  • Treats ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid. Also treats heartburn caused by acid indigestion., Treats and prevents heartburn. Also treats stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions that cause too much stomach acid.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiulcer, Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitor, Gastrointestinal Agent, Antiulcer, Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitor, Gastrointestinal Agent

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Capsule, Tablet, Liquid, Fizzy Tablet, Liquid Filled Capsule, Granule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, By mouth

What is Acid Reducer used for?

What form(s) does Acid Reducer come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Chewable Tablet

  • Dissolving Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Fizzy Tablet

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Granule

What are common Acid Reducer doses?

  • Bottle 90 Tablets

  • Bottle 30 Tablets

  • Bottle 60 Tablets

  • Bottle 50 Tablets

  • Box 30 Tablets

Common Acid Reducer prescriptions

  • Acid Reducer
    30 tablets bottle

  • Acid Reducer
    60 tablets bottle

How to take Acid Reducer

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • If you are using this medicine to prevent heartburn, take it 30 to 60 minutes before you eat or drink anything that causes you to have heartburn.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • The effervescent tablet should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue. The Zantac 25 EFFERdose Tablet should be mixed in 1 teaspoon (or more) of water. Do not drink the liquid until the tablet is completely dissolved.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • If you are using this medicine to prevent heartburn, take it 30 to 60 minutes before you eat or drink anything that causes you to have heartburn.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator.

  • The effervescent tablet should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue. The Zantac 25 EFFERdose Tablet should be mixed in 1 teaspoon (or more) of water. Do not drink the liquid until the tablet is completely dissolved.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it.

  • If you are using the disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle it. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. It should melt within 2 minutes. Swallow after the tablet has melted.

  • Shake the oral liquid for 5 to 10 seconds before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 1 month.

  • If you are using the disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle it. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. It should melt within 2 minutes. Swallow after the tablet has melted.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Shake the oral liquid for 5 to 10 seconds before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 1 month.

What to do if you miss a dose of Acid Reducer

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Throw away any unused oral liquid that is more than 1 month old.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Acid Reducer contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ranitidine.

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to famotidine or similar medicines.

Acid Reducer warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Some brands or forms of this medicine may contain phenylalanine (aspartame). If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach cancer.

  • This medicine may cause changes in your heart rhythm (including QT prolongation).

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Limited testing has found unacceptable levels of a probable human carcinogen, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), in some ranitidine medicines

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of acute porphyria.

  • EFFERdose® tablets contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor before you use this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Acid Reducer interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how ranitidine works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following: AtazanavirDelavirdineGefitinibGlipizideKetoconazoleMidazolamTriazolamWarfarin

  • EFFERdose® tablets contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor before you use this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Some medicines can affect how famotidine works. Tell your doctor if you are using cefditoren, dasatinib, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, or tizanidine.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). If you have this condition, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

Acid Reducer side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Dark urine or pale stools, yellow eyes or skin

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Agitation, confusion, seizures

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach

  • Nausea, vomiting

  • Mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Headache

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