Gynecomastia cannot be treated with Ranitidine (Zantac). Ranitidine is intended as an antiulcer medication. In fact, it is reported that one of the possible side effects of taking this drug is the development of swollen or tender breasts in men, otherwise known as gynecomastia. However, the chance of developing this side effect when taking ranitidine is relatively rare compared to occurrences associated with other drugs. Drug-induced gynecomastia is attributed to the disruption of the estrogen balance in the body. That is why it is always important to consult a physician first before undergoing any treatment in order to be aware of any debilitating effects that come with it.
Ranitidine is a medication primarily used in the treatment and prevention of ulcers in the stomach and intestines. The drug is classified under the group called histamine-2 blockers. It works by reducing the production of acid in the stomach thereby helping people who suffer from Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other ailments characterized by the backflow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus, which leads to experiencing heartburns.
Zantac is a clinically proven drug with the active ingredient, ranitidine. The tablets are marketed as a fast relief to heartburns and acid indigestion, taking effect in as quick as 30 minutes and lasting up to 12 hours. It is recommended to take the tablets twice daily before eating or when heartburns occur. However, users are advised to seek a doctor’s consultation first before taking Zantac continuously beyond 14 days.
One of the possible side effects of ranitidine (Zantac) is breast growth in men. Some medicines are known to cause this abnormality by upsetting the levels of estrogen and testosterone in the body. The disruptions in the balance between the two may lead to changes in the cellular elements of the breast tissue. Peptic ulcer medications have been identified to cause gynecomastia. In 1994, a research group conducted a study on 81,535 British men aged 25-84 years who received prescription for cimetidine, misoprostol, omeprazole, or ranitidine within a four-year period. The use of cimetidine resulted to a substantially greater risk of gynecomastia in men particularly for doses of more than 1,000mg daily. Although there were some reported cases, the risk of gynecomastia is relatively low when using the other three drugs.
If gynecomastia is suspected to be the side effect of medications, the logical way of treating it would be discontinuing the use of the agent. There is also the option of decreasing the dosage, or finding alternative remedies with a weaker association to gynecomastia. Nevertheless, it is wise to be thorough before making such decisions. Always be guided by the advice of medical professionals. The abnormal breast enlargement may not even be drug-induced. There are laboratory tests to know other causes which can be identified by checking the hormone levels of the body and the functioning of glands. If stopping treatments using gynecomastia inducing drugs is challenging or impossible, an option would be a simultaneous therapy with tamoxifene taken 20mg daily. This has been suggested to be 50-80% effective. In extreme cases, surgery would be the final resort.
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