Family doctor

OSG

Medication

H2 ANTAGONISTS - a patient's guide

Abstract

H2 Antagonists are used in the treatment of stomach ulcers and heart burn. This article profiles the drugs' properties and possible side effects.

TYPE/ BRAND NAME:

  • Cimetidine: Apo-Cimetidine, Duomet, Tagamet
  • Famotidine: Apo-Famotidine, Famox, Pepzan, Pepcidine
  • Nizatidine: Axid
  • Ranitidine: Zantac

USE: Histamine H2- receptor antagonist

H2- Antagonists are used for the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers, heartburn, and other related conditions which are a result of excess stomach acid production. They can also be used in post-op surgery to prevent stress ulcers in ill patients and in patients receiving NSAID (e.g. aspirin) therapy.

These medicines work by controlling the production of stomach acid via H2- receptor blockade, where they still allow the stomach to produce the amount of acid for digestion, but extra acid build-up that can cause problems (e.g. ulcers) does not occur.

Cautions:

Gastric cancer (these drugs may mask early symptoms of more serious disease)

Kidney impairment

Pregnancy and breastfeeding (discuss with doctor)

Side effects:

Occasional: headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, altered liver function tests

Rarely: acute stomach pain, slow heartbeat, confusion, depression, skin rash, blood disorders

Interactions:

Cimetidine is a potent enzyme inhibitor therefore should be avoided with warfarin, phenytoin, theophylline, anti-arrhythmics, antidepressants, opoid analgesics, and many other drugs.

Always check and discuss potential interactions with your doctor.

Famotidine, nizatidine and ranitidine do not have these interactions.

Patient information:

  • Follow instructions carefully on the label of this medicine or as directed by your doctor.
  • Used for the treatment of stomach ulcers therefore it should be taken regularly.
  • Avoid smoking and certain foods (talk to your pharmacist).
  • Food: Take with food if this medicine upsets your stomach
  • Alcohol: May aggravate stomach ulcers so best avoided
  • Contact your doctor or seek medical help if side effects are severe or ongoing.
  • These medications should not be taken long term without an accurate diagnosis of what is wrong - this may include endoscopy to look at the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

See also:


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