What is the main use of ranitidine?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a primary condition treated by ranitidine, affects an estimated 20% of adults in the United States [1.9.1, 1.9.3]. So, what is the main use of ranitidine? It was principally used to decrease stomach acid for treating and preventing ulcers and GERD [1.2.1].

Quick Summary

Ranitidine, known as Zantac, was mainly used to treat conditions caused by excess stomach acid, like ulcers and GERD. It has been withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns [1.2.3].

Key Points

Main Use: Ranitidine was primarily used to treat and prevent conditions caused by excess stomach acid, like peptic ulcers and GERD [1.8.1].
Mechanism of Action: It worked as an H2 blocker, reducing stomach acid production by inhibiting histamine at H2 receptors [1.3.1].
FDA Recall: In 2020, the FDA requested all ranitidine products be withdrawn from the market due to contamination with NDMA, a probable carcinogen [1.4.1, 1.4.2].
Safer Alternatives: Replacement options include other H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid) and PPIs like omeprazole (Prilosec) [1.5.3].
Consult a Doctor: Patients previously using ranitidine should consult a healthcare professional to find a suitable and safe alternative treatment [1.4.1].

Introduction to Ranitidine

Ranitidine, commonly known by the brand name Zantac, belongs to a class of drugs called histamine-2 (H2) blockers [1.2.1]. It was a widely used medication, available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, for managing conditions related to excessive stomach acid [1.2.2]. However, it is critical to note that in April 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested manufacturers to withdraw all ranitidine products from the market [1.4.1].

What Was the Main Use of Ranitidine?

The main use of ranitidine was to decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach [1.2.1]. This action made it effective for the treatment and prevention of several conditions:

Peptic Ulcers: This includes ulcers in the stomach (gastric ulcers) and the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers) [1.8.1, 1.8.2]. It helped heal existing ulcers and prevent their recurrence.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Ranitidine was used to treat GERD, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and potential injury to the esophageal lining [1.8.1, 1.8.5].
Hypersecretory Conditions: It treated conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome [1.8.5].
Heartburn and Acid Indigestion: The OTC versions were used for the relief and prevention of heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach [1.8.1].

How Did Ranitidine Work? (Mechanism of Action)

Ranitidine is a competitive and reversible inhibitor of histamine at H2 receptors located on the stomach's parietal cells [1.3.1]. Histamine is a natural chemical that stimulates these cells to produce acid [1.2.6]. By blocking the H2 receptors, ranitidine effectively reduced the secretion of gastric acid, which in turn helped alleviate symptoms and heal acid-related damage [1.3.2, 1.3.4]. While potent, H2 blockers are generally considered less powerful than Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), which block the final step of acid production [1.2.2].

The 2020 FDA Market Withdrawal

In April 2020, the FDA requested the immediate withdrawal of all prescription and OTC ranitidine products from the U.S. market [1.4.2]. This action followed an ongoing investigation that discovered a contaminant called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in the medication [1.2.1].

NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) [1.4.2]. FDA investigations found that the impurity in some ranitidine products could increase over time, especially when stored at higher-than-room temperatures, potentially exposing consumers to unacceptable levels [1.4.1]. Consequently, ranitidine is no longer available in the United States [1.2.5].

Ranitidine Alternatives: A Comparison

With ranitidine off the market, patients have several alternatives. The most common are other H2 blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). The new Zantac 360, for example, has been reformulated with famotidine [1.5.3].


Feature	Ranitidine (Historical)	Famotidine (Pepcid)	Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Drug Class	H2 Blocker [1.2.1]	H2 Blocker [1.5.3]	Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) [1.5.4]
Mechanism	Blocks histamine signals that produce acid [1.3.1].	Blocks histamine signals that produce acid [1.6.5].	Blocks the acid pumps in the stomach [1.6.5].
Onset of Action	Relatively fast-acting [1.5.3].	Relatively fast-acting [1.6.6].	Slower onset, not for immediate relief [1.5.3].
Duration	Up to 12 hours [1.5.3].	Up to 12 hours [1.5.3].	Up to 24 hours [1.5.3].
Availability	Withdrawn from market [1.4.1].	Available OTC and prescription [1.6.6].	Available OTC and prescription [1.6.6].

What Were the Common Side Effects?

Before its recall, ranitidine was generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects were minor and could include headache, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain [1.2.1]. Rare but more serious side effects like liver problems were also reported [1.2.2].

What Should You Use Instead of Ranitidine?

If you were previously taking ranitidine, it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional about other treatment options [1.4.1]. The FDA's testing has not found NDMA in other drugs used for similar purposes [1.4.2]. Safe alternatives include:

Other H2 Blockers: Famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac 360) and Cimetidine (Tagamet) [1.5.3, 1.5.5].
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Omeprazole (Prilosec), Esomeprazole (Nexium), and Lansoprazole (Prevacid) [1.5.3, 1.5.4].
Antacids: For immediate, short-term relief (e.g., Tums) [1.5.4].

Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, weight loss, and elevating the head of the bed while sleeping, can also significantly help manage symptoms of acid reflux [1.5.5, 1.9.1].

Conclusion

While the main use of ranitidine was as a cornerstone therapy for managing acid-related gastrointestinal disorders like GERD and peptic ulcers, its chapter in medicine has closed due to safety concerns regarding the carcinogen NDMA [1.4.1, 1.8.1]. Its withdrawal underscores the importance of ongoing drug safety monitoring. Fortunately, effective and safe alternatives, including other H2 blockers and PPIs, are readily available, ensuring patients can continue to manage their conditions effectively. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.

For more information on the recall, visit the FDA's page on NDMA impurities in ranitidine. [1.4.1]

Frequently Asked Questions

Ranitidine was withdrawn from the market after the FDA found that some products contained unacceptable levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen. The impurity was found to increase over time and with exposure to higher temperatures [1.4.1, 1.4.2].

No. The FDA advises consumers to stop taking any ranitidine they currently have and dispose of it properly [1.4.1]. Patients on prescription ranitidine should first speak with their healthcare provider about alternatives [1.4.2].

Good replacements include other H2 blockers like famotidine (the active ingredient in Pepcid and the new Zantac 360) and cimetidine, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole [1.5.3, 1.5.5].

H2 blockers, like ranitidine and famotidine, work by blocking histamine signals that tell the stomach to produce acid. PPIs, like omeprazole, work by shutting down the pumps in the stomach that secrete acid. PPIs are generally more potent and have a longer duration of action [1.2.2, 1.6.5].

Yes, its main use was for prescription treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers, GERD, and hypersecretory conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome [1.8.1, 1.8.5]. It was also used off-label to prevent stress ulcers and stomach damage from NSAIDs [1.7.4].

After the ranitidine recall, the brand name Zantac was reformulated. The new product, Zantac 360, uses famotidine as its active ingredient, which is another H2 blocker that has not been found to have NDMA contamination issues [1.5.3].

Yes. To date, FDA testing has not found NDMA in famotidine, which is why it and other medications like it are recommended as safe alternatives to ranitidine [1.4.2].