Hi & Welcome. Yes, Zantac is advisable for the treatment of persistent cough caused by GERD. I appreciate your concern for your beloved father who seems to be suffering from a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, stomach content, flows back into the esophagus (food pipe). The reflux (backwash) irritates the lining of the esophagus and causes GERD. Its most common symptoms include heartburn, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness of voice and dry cough. It can be treated effectively by using H-2-receptor blockers like Zantace which not only acts quickly but also provides longer relief by decreasing acid production from the stomach for up to 12 hours. It can be given safely to your father. Proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole or Pantoprazole also equally effective and are stronger blockers of acid production than are H-2-receptor blockers and allow time for damaged esophageal tissue to heal. It can be given once daily on an empty stomach one hour before breakfast. Besides the medications, your father also needs certain preventive measures such as 1. Elevate the head of his bed. Place wood or cement blocks under the feet of his bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches. 2. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine. 3. Give him smaller meals and see that he does not lie down immediately after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. 4. He should take the medications for diabetes and hypertension as prescribed. If the symptoms are not controlled with the above medications, he should be examined by his doctor. Hope the advice given above would be useful.