Zantac is the trade name for Ranitidine, a popular heartburn medication that reduces the body’s production of stomach acid. The medication is commonly used to treat and prevent ulcers of the stomach and intestines as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, acid indigestion, and heartburn.

Zantac is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Ranitidine belongs to the h2 (histamine-2) blockers class of drugs. OTC Zantac is most commonly used to relieve and prevent heartburn, while the prescription-strength drug is used to prevent more serious ulcers and conditions. The drug came into commercial use in 1981 and is now the 50th most prescribed medication in the United States.