If you take 2 Zantac/day what times do you take them?

food_chick

About a month ago I started taking Zantac, I started with just 1 but increased to 2 because I was feeling so miserable before 24 hours was up.  Ever since I missed a dose almost a week ago, even the 2 doesn't seem to be cutting it.  I take 1 with breakfast and 1 a little after dinner, trying to make it close to 12 hours between doses.  I'm wondering if I'd feel better if I took it later afternoon instead of after dinner, but I'm not sure if it's safe to have them too close together.  I don't get the burning with the heartburn, but a lot of pressure in my chest and gas.  I usually end up taking off my bra as soon as I can because I can't stand the squeezing.  I didn't experience anything like this with my other pregnancies so this is all new to me.  

mcgeeva

Usually around 9-10 am and 9-10 pm just because it's after I ate and I'm hopefully going to lay down and occasionally in the middle of the night. So misserable!

Avion22

The directions say to take it 30 minutes before meal-time.  I take my first one right after I wake up (so about 30 minutes before breakfast), and the second one after I get home from work and before I start cooking dinner (so it's usually more like 45+ minutes before dinnertime).    I've forgotten a few times and taken it WITH the meal (or just after) and it's MUCH less effective.

MamaPiers

I also have a prescription for Zantac 2x a day. I have had awful heartburn with my pregnancy. When I got it my Dr told me that apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for heartburn. I was hesitant, but decided to try it before trying the Meds, just to see. I take one tablespoon when the heartburn creeps up and it works AMAZING! Keeps the heartburn away for 2-3 days at times! I haven't had to take a prescription pill yet! Wanted to share....

sollybelle

I took one in the morning and then one late afternoon (150 mg).  It still didn't cut it and I was MISERABLE, so my doctor prescribed losec (omeprazole) about a month ago and I haven't had any heartburn since (in fact, I don't even notice myself burping anymore).   

I had tried everything - apple cider vinegar, baking soda, milk, club soda, etc.  My obgyn approved of it as well and I did some research and felt comfortable with it (keep in mind I am very conservative/paranoid of taking anything at all while pregnant - I'm 32 weeks and have only had 3 tylenol so far and haven't even had a piece of gum since becoming pregnant to avoid aspartame).  

food_chick

Thank you ladies.  I will take it sooner before meals and see if that helps.  I have heard of using apple cider vinegar, but not sure if I can stomach the taste of it.  Will be my next step though if needed.  

RocksInTheWater

I take my first one with my morning vitamins right before breakfast and the second dose before dinner.  Zantac's role is to help suppress the amount of acid released so it's best to take it before you eat.  Once the acid is already in your esophagus then something like tums can be used because it neutralizes the acid.  I almost always take 3 tums before bed.