FDA announces immediate market withdrawal of Zantac/ranitidine medications

The Food and Drug Administration today announced it is requesting manufacturers immediately withdraw all prescription and over-the-counter ranitidine drugs (commonly known by the brand name Zantac) from the market.

This is the latest step in an ongoing investigation of the carcinogenic contaminant N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which in some ranitidine products increases over time and when stored at higher than room temperatures to unacceptable levels.

The FDA advised consumers taking OTC ranitidine to stop taking any tablets or liquid they currently have, dispose of them properly and not buy more; patients taking prescription ranitidine should speak with their health care professional about other treatment options before stopping the medicine.