Zantac could affect your heart, but the risks of cardiac side effects are relatively rare. There has been extensive research recently regarding heartburn medication and the harmful side effects they bring. While there are some possible links between heartburn medication and an increased risk of heart attack, there is little evidence that the use of Zantac (and other H2 blockers) is tied to heart attack risk.
That said, there is research to suggest that Zantac could have other harmful effects on your heart. This is particularly true of short-term side-effects. Some unusual changes in heart rate or rhythm have been linked to the drug. If you suspect your long-term use of Zantac has had an effect on your heart health or other areas of your health, it is vital that you speak to a doctor right away.
Heartburn Medication and the Risk of Heart Attacks
To understand the risk of heart attack that comes with the use of heartburn medicine, it is important to understand that this medication comes in two different categories.
One form of heartburn medication–proton pump inhibitors–has been linked to increased heart attack risks. The other major form of heartburn medication–known as H2 blockers–has not been linked to the same risks.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
There have been notable links between proton pump inhibitors and adverse effects on the human heart. While Zantac does not fall into this category of heartburn medication, products like Prevacid, Prilosec, and Nexium do. As noted in a 2011 BMJ study, the link between possible heart attacks and the use of proton pump inhibitors seems to be especially concerning when patients are also taking aspirin medications.
It is important to note the study does not definitively show a link between the drug and heart attacks. The researchers recommended a continued examination of the interaction between proton pump inhibitors and other medications, such as aspirin.
That being said, there are other studies that suggest proton pump inhibitors could increase the likelihood of a heart attack among certain individuals. A study by Stanford Medicine concluded that individuals suffering from acid reflux disease were more likely to suffer a heart attack following prolonged use of these drugs.
H2 Blockers
In addition to proton pump inhibitors, there is a second type of heartburn medication known as H2 blockers. H2 blockers include the drug Zantac as well as other products like Pepcid and Tagamet.
To date, research does not show a connection between H2 blockers and an increased risk of heart attack. While there is no significant link between Zantac and heart attacks, there are other heart issues that could result from this drug.
Potential Heart Risks of Zantac
While an increased risk of heart attacks might not be a side-effect of taking Zantac, there are other potential heart issues to be aware of.
H2 blockers like Zantac are histamine receptor antagonists. While these drugs are often effective in preventing heartburn, they can also result in harmful cardiovascular reactions. Specifically, Zantac could cause a series of heart arrhythmias, including:
- Asystole
- Premature ventricular beats
- Tachycardia
- Bradycardia
- Atrioventricular block
While rare, these side-effects could have serious consequences for anyone taking Zantac. If you were harmed after using Zantac, you may be able to pursue monetary compensation against the makers of Zantac or other H2 blockers.
You Could Be Entitled to Compensation from Medical Injuries Caused by Zantac
If you are living with the consequences of a harmful reaction to Zantac, you might be entitled to seek monetary compensation. After learning that Zantac can affect your heart, you may realize that you are facing dangerous arrhythmia issues or blood pressure problems due to long-term use of the drug.
In order to pursue a case for your compensation against the negligent drug makers, we could offer you the following services:
- Gather evidence of your medical condition
- Demonstrate a link between your use of Zantac and your health problem
- Show how your use of Zantac led to medical costs and other losses for you
- Take your case to court on your behalf
- Communicate with all third parties for you
- Ensure that your case meets important deadlines, such as the state’s statute of limitations
- And more
The team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers could answer any questions you have regarding your legal rights and Zantac injuries. We understand the challenges and opportunities that come with these claims. As the core partners of the firm, we will work with you directly to seek the compensation you may deserve.
Call (855) 529-0269 as soon as possible for your free consultation. We take personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you would not need to pay any up-front costs in order to get started on your case.
