We’ve all had heartburn before. Whether it’s the extra spicy 7-layer dip that you chased with five cans of soda or the ironically tame chicken noodle soup that your weak stomach can never seem to handle, sometimes we all need a little something to help our digestive system remain halfway functional. Fortunately, there are several brands of antacid that are readily available at most retailers over the counter. Let’s compare two of the top brands: Pepcid AC and Zantac.
Zantac
Zantac, which is the more commonly known brand name of the drug Ranitidine, inhibits the stomach’s production of acid. There is a long list of side effects associated with the drug including hepatitis, jaundice, pneumonia, anemia, dizziness, and nausea, though almost all of these are extremely rare. One of the more common side effects, however, is the deficiency of vitamin B12. B12 deficiencies will often lead to diarrhea, which can persist for days on end and should be monitored closely to prevent something more serious like dehydration. There have been instances where Zantac develops in the breast milk of nursing women who used the drug. Women who are nursing or pregnant should consult a doctor before taking Zantac.
Pepcid AC
Ramotidine, better known for its brand-name Pepcid AC, is also an acid-blocking tablet used to counter stomach discomfort caused by overproduction of acid. The drug contains the inactive ingredients sucrose and lactose, both of which should be considered for those with allergies. It also carries many of the same side effects as Zantac include in dizziness, nausea, anemia, and diarrhea as a result of B12 deficiency. It can also develop in breast milk for nursing women and should not be used during nursing.
Conclusion
Zantac is probably a more potent stomach relief agent, despite the fact that there are obviously more risks associated with it. In the instance of both drugs, the rather long list of adverse side effects brings one to question whether it might simply be better to endure a brief period of stomach discomfort to avoid the risk of something more serious. Acid reflux disease is a serious condition and should be managed with the advice of a doctor. Generally speaking, the side effects are extremely rare statistically; however, it is up to the consumer’s best judgment to determine whether the risk is worth it or not as they are both available over-the-counter. It might be a wise decision to consult your doctor if you feel that you may be prone to any of the side effects listed above. There are other antacids on the market, such as Tums and Alka-Seltzer, which have fewer side effects, but do not have as powerful an effect on indigestion.
