Is Zantac Safe to Take Now? What You Need to Know After the Recall

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

In April 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that all ranitidine products, commonly known by the brand name Zantac, be removed from the market immediately. This was due to concerns about the potential for unsafe levels of a probable human carcinogen called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) to develop in the medication. If you're wondering if Zantac is safe to take now, the answer depends on which version you are referring to.

Quick Summary

The original ranitidine-based Zantac is not safe to take and was recalled in 2020. A new product, Zantac 360, is now available with a different, safe active ingredient. Safe alternatives for heartburn exist.

Key Points

Original Zantac is Not Safe: The ranitidine-based Zantac was recalled in 2020 by the FDA due to potential contamination with a probable carcinogen called NDMA.
New Zantac 360 is Different and Safe: The new Zantac 360 on the market contains famotidine, a different active ingredient that is not associated with the NDMA risk and is safe to use.
NDMA Increases Over Time: The level of NDMA in old ranitidine products increases with time and higher temperatures, posing a risk to those with older stock.
Legal Challenges Continue: Lawsuits against manufacturers are ongoing, though legal rulings have made it more difficult for plaintiffs to prove causation in certain court systems.
Safe Alternatives are Available: Other medications like Pepcid (famotidine), Tagamet (cimetidine), and PPIs like Prilosec and Nexium are safe and effective alternatives for heartburn.
Consult a Doctor for Guidance: Anyone with existing stock of ranitidine should dispose of it and speak with a healthcare professional about the best course of action.

The 2020 Recall of Original Zantac (Ranitidine)

In a major turn of events for one of the world's most popular heartburn medications, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action to remove all ranitidine products from the market. This included prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) versions of Zantac and its generics. The decision followed an ongoing investigation into the presence of N-NItrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a substance classified as a probable human carcinogen.

NDMA levels were found to increase in ranitidine over time and when stored at higher than room temperatures, potentially exposing consumers to unacceptable levels of the impurity. While the risk of NDMA from ranitidine was considered low and didn't pose an immediate health threat, the FDA determined that the level of impurity increased over time, posing a long-term risk.

The New Zantac 360: A Different Medication

Since the 2020 recall, a new product called Zantac 360 has appeared on pharmacy shelves, but it's crucial to understand that this is a completely different medication. The original Zantac's active ingredient was ranitidine, a type of H2 blocker. The new Zantac 360 is formulated with a different H2 blocker called famotidine, the same active ingredient found in Pepcid.

The FDA's testing found no NDMA contamination in famotidine-based products, confirming that Zantac 360 does not carry the same risk as the recalled ranitidine. Therefore, the new Zantac 360 is safe to take, as it is a different drug entirely from the one that was recalled.

Understanding NDMA Contamination and Legal Actions

NDMA is an environmental contaminant found in small amounts in water, food, and the environment. However, the concentrations found in some ranitidine products were significantly higher than the FDA's acceptable daily intake limit, especially over time.

The Zantac lawsuits

In the wake of the recall, numerous lawsuits were filed against the manufacturers of ranitidine. Plaintiffs alleged that companies failed to warn about cancer risks associated with NDMA contamination. Legal challenges continue, with a federal judge dismissing thousands of cases in 2022, while state court cases and settlements are ongoing. Notably, GSK reportedly agreed to a significant settlement in October 2024 for a large number of state court claims.

Safe Alternatives for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

For those who previously relied on original Zantac, several safe and effective alternatives are available. The right choice depends on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, so it's always best to consult a healthcare professional. Alternatives fall into two main categories:

H2 Blockers (like famotidine in Zantac 360): These medications reduce stomach acid production and offer fast, up-to-12-hour relief.

Famotidine (e.g., Zantac 360, Pepcid): A powerful and safe alternative, often recommended for both prevention and relief.
Cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet): Another H2 blocker that is considered safe.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These are stronger acid reducers, intended for frequent heartburn and not immediate relief. They take longer to work but can provide 24-hour relief.

Omeprazole (e.g., Prilosec): A widely available and effective PPI.
Esomeprazole (e.g., Nexium): A common PPI for frequent heartburn.
Lansoprazole (e.g., Prevacid): Another safe PPI option.

Antacids: Over-the-counter options like Tums or Rolaids provide rapid, temporary relief by neutralizing existing stomach acid.

Comparison of Heartburn Medications


Feature	Original Zantac (Ranitidine)	New Zantac 360 (Famotidine)	PPIs (e.g., Prilosec, Nexium)
Active Ingredient	Ranitidine	Famotidine	Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, etc.
Recall Status	Recalled in 2020 due to NDMA risk. Not safe.	Safe; contains no ranitidine.	Safe; not affected by the NDMA recall.
How it Works	Blocks H2 receptors to reduce stomach acid production.	Blocks H2 receptors to reduce stomach acid production.	Blocks acid pumps to reduce stomach acid production.
Speed of Relief	Fast relief (within 15-60 minutes).	Fast relief (starts in 15-60 minutes).	Not for immediate relief; takes 1-4 days for full effect.
Duration of Action	Up to 12 hours.	Up to 12 hours.	Provides 24-hour relief with daily use.
Best For	Recalled, not for use.	Occasional heartburn prevention and relief.	Frequent heartburn.

Conclusion: Zantac is Not What it Used to Be

In summary, the ranitidine-based product originally sold as Zantac is no longer considered safe and was recalled by the FDA in 2020 due to potential NDMA contamination. The version of Zantac available today, Zantac 360, is a different and safe medication containing famotidine. Consumers should ensure they are purchasing the correct product and dispose of any old ranitidine medications properly. For persistent or severe heartburn, consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment, as many safe and effective alternatives are available.

For more information on the FDA's investigation and recall of ranitidine, you can visit the official FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The original Zantac, which contained the active ingredient ranitidine, was recalled by the FDA in 2020 because it was found to contain unacceptable levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen.

No, the new Zantac 360 is not the same as the original. It is formulated with a different active ingredient, famotidine, which is also found in Pepcid. Famotidine was not part of the ranitidine recall and is considered safe.

NDMA is N-Nitrosodimethylamine, a probable human carcinogen. In the original Zantac, NDMA levels increased over time and when exposed to higher temperatures, leading to a potential long-term cancer risk.

The FDA advises that consumers stop taking any over-the-counter ranitidine they may have, dispose of it properly, and not buy more. For those with prescription ranitidine, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional about other treatment options before stopping.

Safe alternatives include other H2 blockers like famotidine (Zantac 360, Pepcid) and cimetidine (Tagamet), as well as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and esomeprazole (Nexium).

The Zantac lawsuits are complex and ongoing. While some manufacturers, such as GSK, have settled numerous state court cases, many cases are still pending. Federal cases were largely dismissed in 2022, though some are moving forward in state courts.

Yes, NDMA is a known environmental contaminant and can be found in small amounts in various foods and water. The concern with ranitidine was the unacceptable levels that could accumulate over time.