An embarrassing question?

[seekingcure]

Zantac is an H2 receptor blocker, not a PPI. H2 receptor blockers are not as effective at reducing stomach acid as PPI's such as Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid; however, they are more effective at reducing nighttime heartburn than the PPIs.

I had taken PPIs for years but had been off of them a few months before I got c-diff the first time. At the time I got c-diff, I was not taking anything for heartburn except Tums and enzymes with meals. After I started on Flagyl and Vanco, the heartburn and reflux got worse again and since then I have taken Zantac, which I don't believe is implicated in causing c-diff, although anything that reduces stomach acid could, theoretically, make you more susceptible to the spores, I would guess. I have also found that enzymes taken before meals or drinking kefir or other fermented foods with a meal can help to keep the heartburn and reflux at bay.

[Dobies#1]

Thanks for all the help! I only had the two episodes of diarrhea. Sorry I jumped the gun! Regarding the Zantac: both my ID doc and GI told me it was safe to take Zantac 150 at night or even twice a day if needed. This was back in January 2014 when I had an upper endoscopy which showed mild gastritis/GERD. I never really had major symptoms, just some pain every once in awhile. I used to take Tums on occasion. But sometimes my stomach burns so I started talking Zantac 75 at night only. It does help so I'll probably keep taking it. Thanks again! Oh and I meant to say I had toast and syrup the other night, not just syrup. LOL!