I have acid reflux. if necessary and i'm having a bad episode is it ok to take 3 maximum strength zantacs (ranitidine) within 24 hrs?

No: Take the recommended dose. But you can use mylanta, maalox or Tums in between. (Don't take an antacid within 30 minutes before or within 1 hour after the Zantac, (ranitidine) because it affects absorption.) Avoid spicy, greasy, acidy foods while you are worse. If no better with this in 1-2 days call your doc. If increasing pain, vomiting, fever, etc., it could be something more serious:go to the ER or call MD

Probably not: If you're having a bad episode, you may want relief sooner rather than later, and ranitidine will take longer to work. Extra won't help either. You may want to first be preventative and avoid triggers such as spicy foods, chocolate, and alcohol. For quicker, more urgent relief, some over-the-counter remedies may be over more immediate help i.e. bismuth subsalicylate or aluminum/magnesium hydroxide