Flea - I had never had heartburn before and when I got it, it was awful! The Zantac definitely did the trick for me.......and from memory I have seen Zantac on the shelves at chemists now, so I'd say you are right and it's available over the counter, without prescription.

I took Zantac each day and it helped dramatically - and yep, you are definitely right that it can damage your throat etc (I know someone who has had problems in this regard!).