Zantac 75 is a medication that prevents and relieves the symptoms of heartburn and sour stomach due to acid indigestion. Its active ingredient is ranitidine (75 milligrams) which works to neutralize the acid caused by certain foods and beverages that irritate the stomach lining and esophagus. Zantac 75 also contains six inactive ingredients that are used in the preparation and stabilization of the tablets.
Hypromellose
Hypromellose (also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or HPMC) is a water-soluble cellulose ether, according to Ronas Chemicals. It serves numerous functions in pharmaceutical development, including aiding lubrication and dissolving of ingredients, coating tablets, acting as an emulsifying (mixing) agent, and improving drug stability by preventing ingredients from separating. It also facilitates controlled release of ingredients and can strengthen waterproofing of tablets.
Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is a salt that is not soluble in water that is commonly used as a filler in the manufacture of drug tablets and capsules. It is the most commonly used lubricant in drug tablets, according to AbsoluteAstronomy.com. Generally regarded as safe for human consumption, it is widely used to dilute contents of pharmaceuticals. Because of its lubricating properties, it prevents ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment during their compression from powders into solid tablets.
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Microcrystalline cellulose is a white, insoluble powder that is used as a solvent. It assists with the binding of the ingredients in pharmaceutical tablets like Zantac 75 and improves the drug's stability. It also facilitates rapid disintegration of the tablet once it is consumed by humans.
Titanium Dioxide and Synthetic Red Iron Oxide
Titanium dioxide is widely used to add whiteness and opacity to products including food, paper, paint, toothpaste and pharmaceutical drugs. While the International Agency for Research on Cancer, or IARC, has identified titanium dioxide as possibly causing cancer in humans, studies implicating the chemical were conducted among mice and specifically involved high concentrations of titanium dioxide dust. Human studies have not confirmed the link between dust exposure and cancer, nor have they identified titanium dioxide use in products like pharmaceutical medications as being carcinogenic.
Synthetic red iron oxide is another color additive in Zantac 75.
Triacetin
Triacetin is a clear, oily liquid that is used as an additive to support flavorings in food and to contribute to plasticizing of cellulose-based plastics and chewing gum. It helps to solidify cellulose fibers in the manufacture of certain drug capsules and other products like cigarette filters.
