Verona, VA
A 29-year-old female asked:
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?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Susan Rhoadsanswered
Family Medicine 40 years experience
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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Yapanswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 16 years experience
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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Susan Rhoads commented
Family Medicine 40 years experience
Avoid generic Maalox or Mylanta, some are really disgusting and can make you puke from the taste! (especially the Goldline brand). Trust me, I know.
Aug 26, 2014
Last updated Feb 18, 2015
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