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Peptic ulcer disease - H2 blockers; PUD - H2 blockers; Gastroesophageal reflux - H2 blockers
DefinitionH2 blockers are medicines that work by reducing the amount of stomach acid secreted by glands in the lining of your stomach.
How H2 Blockers Help YouProton pump inhibitors are used to:
- Relieve symptoms of acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where food or liquid travels backwards from the stomach to the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach)
- Treat a peptic or stomach ulcer
There are many different names and brands of H2 blockers. Most work as well as another. Side effects may be different for different ones.
- Famotidine (Pepcid AC, Pepcid Oral)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
- Ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75, Zantac Efferdose, Zantac injection, and Zantac Syrup)
- Nizatidine Capsules (Axid AR, Axid Capsules, Nizatidine Capsules)
H2 blockers are most often taken by mouth and are found as tablets, liquids, or capsules.
- The most common way of taking them is with the first meal of the day.
- It takes 30 - 90 minutes for them to work, but the benefits last for hours. People often take the drugs at bedtime too.
- Symptoms may improve for up to 24 hours after taking the drug.
H2 blockers may be bought in lower doses at the store without a prescription. If you find yourself taking these most days for acid reflux symptoms for 2 weeks or more, make sure you see your health care provider about your symptoms.
If you have a peptic ulcer, your doctor may prescribe H2 blockers along with two or three other medicines for up to 2 weeks.
If your doctor prescribed these medicines for you:
- Take all of your medicines as your doctor told you to. Try to take them at the same time, or times, each day.
- Do not stop taking your medicines without talking with your doctor first. Follow up with your doctor regularly.
- Plan ahead so that you do not run out of medicine. Make sure you have enough with you when you travel.
Side effects from H2 blockers are rare.
- Famotidine: most common side effect is headache
- Cimetidine: side effects are rare at diarrhea, dizziness, rashes, or headaches may occur
- Ranitidine: most common side effect is headache
- Nizatidine: side effects are rare
If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, talk to your health care provider before taking these medications. Anyone with kidney problems should use famotidine only under a doctor's direction.
Tell your health care provider if you are also taking other medicines. H2 blockers may change the way certain drugs work. Cimetidine and nizatidine are least likely to have this problem.
When to Call the DoctorCall your doctor if you are having any of the side effects above. Also call your doctor if you are having other unusual symptoms or your symptoms are not improving.
ReferencesKahrilas PJ, Shaheen NJ, Vaezi MF, Hiltz SW, Black E, Modlin IM. American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement on the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterology. 2008;135:1383-1391.
Richter JE, Friedenberg FK. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 43.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/11/2011
George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What else can I help you with?
How the H2 blockers work?
H2 blockers work by blocking the action of histamine on a specific receptor (H2 receptor) in the stomach, which reduces the production of stomach acid. This helps to reduce symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, and ulcers. By decreasing acid production, H2 blockers can promote healing of the stomach lining.
What are the names of the most common H2 receptor blockers?
The most common H2-receptor blockers are cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac).
What are the two types of gastric acid inhibitors?
The two types of gastric acid inhibitors are H2 receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). H2 blockers work by blocking the histamine receptors in the stomach, reducing acid production. PPIs work by inhibiting the proton pump in the stomach, which is responsible for acid production.
What is the purpose of H2 blockers?
H2 blockers are mainly used as treatment for people with gastroesophageal diseases who have an excess of stomach acid. These blockers reduce the amount of stomach acid your body produces, making heartburn or acid reflux much less likely.
Is Zantac a barbiturate?
No it is not barbiturate it is related to H2 Blockers (for peptic Ulcer problem)
What adverse reactions are possible with H2-receptor blockers?
Although the H2-receptor blockers are very safe drugs, they are capable of causing thrombocytopenia, a disorder in which there are too few platelets in the blood. This deficiency may cause bleeding problems,
What are prescriptions for hypertension?
Usually, prescription medications for hypertension comes from different drug categories such as that of the Calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, H2 antagonist, Beta Blockers and so on.
What are the H-2 blockers besides cimetidine?
The three other H2 receptor blockers, famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac), are similar in their uses.
What are h2 blockers used for?
H2 blockers, or histamine H2-receptor antagonists, are medications primarily used to reduce stomach acid production. They are commonly prescribed for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. By blocking histamine's action on H2 receptors in the stomach lining, these medications help alleviate symptoms like heartburn and promote healing of the gastrointestinal tract. Examples include ranitidine and famotidine.
What is the mechanism of medication for somebody who is diagnosed with gastric ulcers and antihistamine drug was prescribed to him?
Histamine Type-2 Receptor Antagonists (H2 Blockers)
give me the details about GERD….can this be treated OTC?
You can use OTC treatments like H2 blockers, antacids, prokinetics, and proton pump inhibitors.
Is nexium an H2 blocker?
No, Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), not an H2 blocker. Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the production of acid in the stomach, while H2 blockers work by reducing the amount of acid produced by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach.
