Side Effects:

Common Headache, Muscle pain, Fatigue, Diarrhoea, Drowsiness, Constipation.

Expert advice for Advantac Tablet
Advantac is a well tolerated and safe medicine with a very low incidence of side effects. Take Advantac before going to bed if you are taking this medicine once a day as it is very effective in controlling stomach acid released in the midnight. If you are also taking an antacid, take it two hours before or after taking Advantac. Avoid taking soft drinks, citrus fruits like orange and lemon, which can irritate the stomach and increase acid secretion. Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after taking Advantac for two weeks or 14 days as you may be suffering from some other problems. Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney or liver disease. Dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How is Advantac different from omeprazole?
Both Advantac and omeprazole lower the acid production in your stomach but they belong to the different group of drugs. Studies have shown that omeprazole is more effective than Advantac in treating heartburn and in rapid healing of duodenal ulcers. However, the effect of these medicines may vary upon individual response.

Q. Is Advantac an antacid?
Advantac belongs to the class of H2 receptor blockers which decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach. While antacids only neutralize the stomach acid by coating the stomach.

Q. What is the difference between Advantac and pantoprazole?
Advantac is an H2 histamine receptor blocker whereas pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Pantoprazole is more potent at inhibiting gastric acid production compared to famotidine and also its effect lasts for a long time.

Q. How is Advantac different from cimetidine?
Both Advantac and cimetidine lower gastric acid secretion by blocking the H2 receptor in the stomach. However, Advantac is longer acting, more efficacious, and has very less side effects when compared to cimetidine.

Q. Is Advantac safe to use?
Advantac is safe if used for a prescribed duration in doses as prescribed by your physician. However, there are some common side effects that you can experience with the dose advised, like a headache, muscle pain, fatigue, diarrhea, drowsiness, and constipation.

Q. Can I take Advantac with ibuprofen?
Advantac can be taken with ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a pain killer and belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) which can cause stomach acidity, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. Drugs like Advantac are used to prevent and treat gastric problems caused by ibuprofen.

Q. Would there be a change in the dose of Advantac in patients undergoing dialysis?
Yes, there could be a change in the dose of Advantac in patients undergoing dialysis. In patients with severe renal failure, a lower dose of Advantac is recommended. However, patients who undergo dialysis do not need to add a dose even if there is a considerable variation in the clearance of the drug from the body in these patients.

Q. Can I take Advantac with aspirin?
Aspirin can be taken with Advantac. Aspirin is a pain killer and belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) which can increase the gastric acid secretion and worsen stomach acidity, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. On the other hand, drugs like Advantac are used to prevent and treat gastric problems caused by painkillers.

Q. Why does Advantac cause dizziness?
Dizziness is a commonly reported side effect with the use of Advantac. The exact mechanism of this is not known. However, it is suggested to block H2 receptor located in some brain areas (cerebral cortex and corpus striatum) which can lead to dizziness. Do not drive or use any machinery in case you feel dizzy while taking Advantac.

Q. What is the role of Advantac before surgery?
Advantac is given as a part of pre-anesthetic medication before surgery to decrease the stomach acid secretion so that stomach acid is not aspirated into the lungs during surgery.

Q. Can I take Advantac with ranitidine?
Both Advantac and ranitidine lower gastric acid secretion by blocking the H2 receptor in the stomach. They are not used together as they have a similar action and use and when used together, there could be an increased risk of side effects.

Q. What is the role of Advantac in critically ill patients?
Advantac may be used in critically ill patients to decrease stomach acid secretion and lower the risk of acid aspiration into the lungs. It also helps in decreasing stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients.

Q. What is the difference between Advantac and esomeprazole?
Advantac is an H2 histamine receptor blocker whereas esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Esomeprazole is more potent at inhibiting gastric acid production compared to Advantac and also its effect lasts for a long time.

Q. Is Advantac an over the counter product?
Advantac is not available as an over the counter (OTC) product. It is a prescription medicine and is available when prescribed by a doctor.

Q. Are there any withdrawal symptoms associated with the use of Advantac?
Advantac is not seen to be associated with any withdrawal symptoms. In treatment-withdrawal studies of Advantac, no significant withdrawal symptoms were observed after discontinuing the medication.

Q. Why is Advantac added to total parenteral nutrition?
Patients on total parenteral nutrition are prone to increased secretion of stomach acid in the absence of food. H2 receptor blockers like Advantac is given in these patients to decrease acid secretion and prevent gastric ulcers.

Q. What are the side effects of Advantac seen in infants?
Irritability, lethargy, diarrhea, dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and urticaria are some of the side effects reported with the use of Advantac in infants (children less than 1 year of age).

Q. Why is Advantac used in cancer patients?
Advantac may be used for multiple reasons in cancer patients. It can lower stomach acid volume in patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent aspiration and lower the risk of stomach ulceration and bleeding. According to some studies, Advantac can potentiate white blood cell against cancer cells and can be helpful in the treatment of cancer.

Q. When does Advantac expire?
Yes, Advantac does expire. Please check the expiry date written on the pack and it refers to the last day of that month. Do not use Advantac after the expiry date.

Q. Is there any benefit of taking Advantac with Lansoprazole?
Both Advantac and pantoprazole lower gastric acid secretion, however, they work by different mechanisms. If you have been advised to take pantoprazole, you can take Advantac initially for rapid relief of heartburn and acid reflux as pantoprazole may take a few days to show its effect and help in relieving symptoms.

Q. What is the benefit of taking Advantac with Pantoprazole?
Both Advantac and pantoprazole lower gastric acid secretion, however, they work by different mechanisms. If you have been advised to take pantoprazole, you can also take Advantac initially for rapid relief of heartburn and acid reflux as omeprazole may take a few days to show its effect and provide relief.

Q. Does Advantac use cause hair loss?
No, use of Advantac is not seen to cause hair loss. Some common side effects associated with its use includes a headache, muscle pain, fatigue, diarrhea, drowsiness, and constipation.

Q. What are the side effects of Advantac in elderly?
No specific studies have been done to study the use of Advantac in elderly. Headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and urticaria are some of the side effects reported with its use. Elderly patients are more prone to have kidney related problems and so a dose adjustment may be needed.

Q. Is it safe to take Advantac with Tramadol?
Yes Advantac can be taken with Tramadol. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Can I take Advantac with Ciprofloxacin?
Advantac and Ciprofloxacin can be taken together. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Advantac is sometimes given along with for the relief of associated stomach acidity or acid reflux. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Is it safe to take Advantac with Azithromycin?
Advantac and Azithromycin can be taken together. Azithromycin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Advantac is sometimes given along with for the relief of associated stomach acidity or acid reflux. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Can I take Advantac with Doxycyclin?
Advantac and Doxycyclin can be taken together. Doxycyclin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Advantac is sometimes given along with for the relief of associated stomach acidity or acid reflux. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.