Zantac Is Back

Zantac is back after past recalls, but it has a new look and ingredient.

A year ago, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that all ranitidine products (Zantac) be removed from the market.

But the recalls of Zantac started earlier — in late 2019. In late September of 2019, the FDA issued a statement about low levels of a possible cancer-causing impurity found in some ranitidine products.

The possible cancer-causing impurity (a nitrosamine impurity) the FDA found in ranitidine products is called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Zantac has been off of store shelves since those recalls — until now. You can now buy the product under the name Zantac 360° in original (10 mg) and maximum (20 mg) strengths.

One key difference between old Zantac and new Zantac: the active ingredient.

Zantac's active ingredient is no longer ranitidine. Now, it's famotidine.

Medications like Zantac are meant to prevent and relieve heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. Famotidine belongs to the same drug class as ranitidine. It is also meant to prevent heartburn and provide relief tied to acid ingestion by reducing the amount of acid the stomach makes.

Famotidine has been on the market for years under the names Pepcid, Pepcid AC and Pepcid Maximum Strength. Now, it's in Zantac, too.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about preventing or treating heartburn. There have been several changes to the available treatment options in the last year.