Histamine H2 acid reducers for peptic ulcer disease

Histamine H2 acid reducers for peptic ulcer disease
Examples
How It Works
Why It Is Used
How Well It Works
Side Effects
What To Think About
References
Credits

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Examples

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Tagamet	cimetidine

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Pepcid	famotidine

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Axid	nizatidine

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Zantac	ranitidine hydrochloride

Histamine H₂ acid reducers (commonly called H₂ blockers) are available in nonprescription and prescription forms.

H₂ blockers are usually taken by mouth, although some can also be given as an injection. Two doses (morning and evening) are generally recommended to control both daytime and nighttime symptoms. Doctors sometimes recommend a single dose, taken at bedtime.

How It Works

H₂ blockers decrease the production of stomach acid, which may reduce irritation to the stomach lining and help an ulcer heal.

Why It Is Used

H₂ blockers often are used to treat a peptic ulcer or symptoms of indigestion (dyspepsia). Serious complications from these drugs are uncommon.

H₂ blockers are sometimes combined with antibiotics to treat a peptic ulcer caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

How Well It Works

H₂ blockers are often effective treatments for indigestion or heartburn. All four appear to work equally well.

H₂ blockers are often able to control the symptoms of an ulcer. But they cannot treat an ulcer that is caused by an infection with H. pylori bacteria. H₂ blockers are sometimes used in combination with antibiotics to treat H. pylori infections. But H₂ blockers are less effective in this role than proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).¹

Side Effects

Minimal side effects occur with short-term use of H₂ blockers. Side effects may include:

Headache.
Dizziness.
Diarrhea.
Constipation.
Nausea.
Vomiting.

Older people who are in an intensive care unit may occasionally experience mental confusion while taking H₂ blockers.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Antacids and H₂ blockers should not be taken within 2 hours of each other because the antacid will cause the H₂ blockers to take effect more slowly.

Some people find that taking a single bedtime dose of an H₂ blocker effectively relieves their symptoms. This schedule is also very convenient.

Prescription-strength cimetidine and ranitidine are available in a generic form. This may be a cost-effective alternative for some people. Ask your doctor whether using a generic form of one of these medications is right for you.

H₂ blockers are generally considered safe for pregnant women to use. However, discuss this with your doctor if you want to use them during pregnancy.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations
Howden CW, Hunt RH (1998). Guidelines for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 93(12): 2330–2338.

Credits

Author	Colleen Cronin
Author	Ralph Poore
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Andrew H. Soll, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Updated	January 12, 2006

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Last updated:	January 12, 2006
Author:	Ralph Poore
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Andrew H. Soll, MD - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Terrina Vail

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