Zantac vs Pepcid

Hyperacidity or an oversecretion of gastric acid may occur in some people, and they just have to find ways in order to suppress it. Thank God, certain medications are already available in the market that can help clear up some of the unwanted symptoms that this condition exhibits. Among this line of gastric relieving medications are Zantac and Pepcid which are two of the most popular in the market

Famotidine is the generic name of Pepcid while Ranitidine is the generic name of Zantac. Both drugs are histamine 2 blockers or also known as antihistamines. Histamine 2 blockers work by reducing the amount of gastric acid being produced by the stomach.

Pepcid is prescribed by physicians for people having heartburn. Pepcid is commonly indicated for this. Zantac, on the other hand, is prescribed for people who have ulcers, GERD, and, in extreme cases, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

A patient with heartburn with unrelieved signs and symptoms after taking Pepcid must be able to determine the difference between heartburn and heart attack which have the same symptoms such as chest pain, pain that radiates into the left arm, nausea, and vomiting. If these are already intense and unbearable in nature, one should already go to the nearest hospital as this might be a heart attack already.

With Zantac, the heart is not affected but the lungs in which there is an increased risk of developing pneumonia. One should report any symptoms of having a low-grade fever, shortness of breath, weight loss, difficulty in breathing, and sputum that is green or yellow in color.

Zantac is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim while Pepcid is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and Merck. Ranitidine and Famotidine were both manufactured in 1981. Ranitidine was founded and developed by Sir James Black.

These drugs should be taken properly at the right time and in the right doses. One should refrain from drinking alcohol when using these kinds of drugs as they will aggravate the condition of the stomach.

Summary:

1. Famotidine is the generic name of Pepcid while Ranitidine is the generic name of Zantac.
2. Both drugs are histamine 2 blockers or also known as antihistamines.
3. Pepcid is commonly prescribed for those with heartburn while Zantac is for those with ulcers and GERD.
4. Both drugs were manufactured in 1981.

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