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What Causes Constant Heartburn, Acid Reflux And Black Stools While On Zantac?
Question: I have been taking 2-3 Zantac daily, even more..due to constant heartburn and acid reflux. My stools are now black and bloody. Is the Zantac the cause?
Brief Answer:
no zantac not the cause, with history of reflux, may be bleeding in stomach
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This is not due to the zantac , this is likely due to bleeding in the stomach or esophagus.
Black stool can indicate the presence of bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract particularly the esophagus or stomach.
Severe heart burn can sometimes be associated with severe irritation of the lining of the stomach or esophagus resulting in bleeding.
It would be best to see your doctor as soon as possible. He or she would need to determine if you need to see a gastroenterologist to take a look inside your esophagus or stomach to look for erosions or ulcers since there is active bleeding.
If present, they would examine the area, may take a biopsy depending on the appearance on scoping.
May also consider testing for H pylori bacteria, this is a bacteria that can worsen reflux, gastrititis.
Bleeding may or may not require nothing by mouth for a short period of time. If it does, they would give iv fluids.
Zantac is not the most effective medication for reflux. The medications in the proton pump family of meds work better to suppress acid production eg nexium, prilosec, prevacid etc
They can take a few days for the effect to be felt because they cannot get rid of the acid present but can only stop/reduce future production
Need to be reviewed
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
no zantac not the cause, with history of reflux, may be bleeding in stomach
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This is not due to the zantac , this is likely due to bleeding in the stomach or esophagus.
Black stool can indicate the presence of bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract particularly the esophagus or stomach.
Severe heart burn can sometimes be associated with severe irritation of the lining of the stomach or esophagus resulting in bleeding.
It would be best to see your doctor as soon as possible. He or she would need to determine if you need to see a gastroenterologist to take a look inside your esophagus or stomach to look for erosions or ulcers since there is active bleeding.
If present, they would examine the area, may take a biopsy depending on the appearance on scoping.
May also consider testing for H pylori bacteria, this is a bacteria that can worsen reflux, gastrititis.
Bleeding may or may not require nothing by mouth for a short period of time. If it does, they would give iv fluids.
Zantac is not the most effective medication for reflux. The medications in the proton pump family of meds work better to suppress acid production eg nexium, prilosec, prevacid etc
They can take a few days for the effect to be felt because they cannot get rid of the acid present but can only stop/reduce future production
Need to be reviewed
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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