Zantac is a medication used to treat ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Like other histamine-2 blocking drugs, Zantac works by limiting the amount of gastric acid your stomach produces. While there’s a small chance that fiber supplements could limit your body’s ability to absorb Zantac if taken consecutively, there are no known interactions between Zantac and fiber supplements. For best results, talk to your doctor about taking fiber supplements along with your Zantac prescription.
Definition
Zantac uses a drug called ranitidine to alleviate symptoms such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, according to MayoClinic.com. Since duodenal ulcers can be aggravated by excessive stomach acid, Zantac is frequently recommended along with lifestyle adjustments to reduce the acidity of your stomach. Zantac is available in two strengths: over-the-counter and prescription. While prescription versions are generally more concentrated, both types are effective at relieving and preventing heartburn, acid indigestion and sour stomach.
Fiber Supplements
Dietary fiber is available in all plant-based foods, and is an essential part of a balanced diet. Fiber comes in two types: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber concentrates water to form a gel-like consistency in your digestive tract, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. Comparatively, insoluble fiber speeds up digestion by adding bulk to the stool and regulating bowel movements. Since our digestive system requires both types of fiber, supplements tend to use plant sources that contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, such as psyllium husk. Considering that most adults are advised to consume between 25 and 30 grams of fiber a day, it is unlikely that moderate fiber supplementation will interact with Zantac.
Complications
No fiber supplements are mentioned among the 251 known interactions listed at Drugs.com. However, excessive use of fiber supplements can have a laxative effect on the digestive system that could prevent your body from absorbing some medications. Although there’s no evidence showing that fiber can have this effect on Zantac, you should talk to your doctor before attempting to combine the two products.
Safety Concerns
Despite the prominence of fiber in most healthy diets, excessive consumption may cause diarrhea, which can have a dehydrating effect. Constant use of Zantac and ranitidine products may increase your risk of developing pneumonia, according to Drugs.com. Avoid taking Zantac if you have kidney disease, liver disease or phorphyria.
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