Question:
Why do I take Zantac every day?

I am 2 weeks post-op and my doctor has me taking liquid zantac 2x a day, since surgery. Does anyone else have to do this? Does anybody know why we have to take this and for how long? Thanks    — Gayle G. (posted on March 17, 2000)

March 17, 2000
Some doctors recommend taking Zantac (ranitidine) post op because it reduces the amount of stomach acid. This can avoid ulcerations along the suture or staple line. This will also help reduce the nausea that is sometimes experienced after major surgery and the new food and eating habits. As far as liquid Zantac by prescription strength only that is probably more easily utilized by the system but it is very expensive. There are generic brands of Zantac in non prescription strength that are tablets which can be crushed and taken by mouth which work just as well and just the same basically. I was given a prescrition for liquid ranitidine 150 mg twice a day. It was almost $200 (I don't have a prescription plan). I found a store brand of generic ranitidine tablets (75 mg. each so I took 2 pills) and the same amount of medication cost me less than $15. Now I think that is a big difference, but I digress!! Suffice it to say that you will probably only take the medicine for a few weeks, not long term. Hope this helps.
   — Fran B.

March 17, 2000
Gayle, I was on prescription pepcid ac (sublingual) for about 6 weeks after surgery. The Dr. gave me the same explaination as Fran gave! I am now 8 weeks postop and don't use it anymore. I think it is just a precautionary measure- but it IS expensive! Thankfully, my insurance paid for it! Good Luck!
   — M B.

March 17, 2000
I just wanted you to know that my doctor also had me on zantac for 6 weeks. I guess its to calm your stomach
   — Tina F.

March 17, 2000
I took the liquid zantac for two weeks, now I am taking the pill tagament. It is for your stomach so that you do get ulcers. When you go back to do ask for the pill tagament. It is much nicer to take. I am on the tagament for another couple of weeks....
   — Lee Ann B.

March 18, 2000
To reduce the production of stomach acid during the healing process.
   — Rosanne O.

July 30, 2001
I am a nurse who used to work at a bariatric center. We began sending everyone home on Zantac after we had several patients come back with the bottem (now unused and unfed) portion of their stomachs eaten away by a ulcer that they and their Doctor did not know they had. They were very ill. I'm taking my Zantac even if it is disgusting.
   — Rebecca A.