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H2 blockers

Peptic ulcer disease - H2 blockers; PUD - H2 blockers; Gastroesophageal reflux - H2 blockers

 

H2 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 you

 

H2 blockers are used to:

  • Relieve symptoms of acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a condition where food or liquid moves up from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach).
  • Treat a peptic or stomach ulcer.

 

Types of H2 Blockers

 

There are different names and brands of H2 blockers. Most work equally as well. Side effects may vary from drug to drug.

  • 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)

 

Taking Your H2 Blockers

 

H2 blockers are most often taken by mouth. You can get them in the form of tablets, liquids, or capsules.

  • These medicines are most often taken with the first meal of the day. In some cases, you may also take them before your evening meal.
  • It takes 30 to 90 minutes for the medicines to work. The benefits will last several hours. People often take the drugs at bedtime, as well.
  • 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 2 weeks or more for acid reflux symptoms, make sure you see your health care provider about your symptoms.

If you have a peptic ulcer, your provider may prescribe H2 blockers along with 2 or 3 other medicines for up to 2 weeks.

If your provider prescribed these medicines for you:

  • Take all of your medicines as your doctor told you to. Try to take them at the same time each day.
  • DO NOT stop taking your medicines without talking to your provider first. Follow up with your provider regularly.
  • Plan ahead so that you do not run out of medicine. Make sure you have enough with you when you travel.

 

Side Effects

 

Side effects from H2 blockers are rare.

  • Famotidine. The most common side effect is headache.
  • Cimetidine. Side effects are rare. But diarrhea, dizziness, rashes, or headaches may occur.
  • Ranitidine. The most common side effect is headache.
  • Nizatidine. Side effects are rare.

If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, talk to your provider before taking these medicines. If you have kidney problems, DO NOT use famotidine without talking to your provider.

Tell your provider about other medicines you are taking. H2 blockers may change the way certain drugs work. This problem is less likely with cimetidine and nizatidine.

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

Call your health care provider if:

  • You are having side effects from your medicine
  • You are having other symptoms
  • Your symptoms are not improving

 

 

References

Brenner GM, Stevens CW. Drugs for gastrointestinal tract disorders. In: Brenner GM, Stevens CW eds. Pharmacology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 28.

Katz PO, Gerson LB, Vela MF. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Am J Gastroenterol . 2013;108:308-328. PMID: 23419381 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23419381 .

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Self Care

           

            Tests for H2 blockers

             

               

              Review Date: 4/20/2015

              Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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