#Drug #Gastroenterology

Ranitidine

evan April 8, 2024

Drug Class	H2 Antagonist
Mechanism	Competitively inhibits histamine actions at all H2 receptors, mainly inhibiting gastric acid secretions from parietal cells
Typical Dose	150-300mg BD for up to 4-8 weeks
Indications	Benign gastric/duodenal ulcers Chronic episodic dyspepsia GORD
Contra-indications
Side-effects	Diarrhoea GI/LFT disturbances Headache/dizziness/fatigue Rash Rarely: pancreatitis, bradycardia, AV block
Interactions	(Cimetidine: inhibits cyto P450 enzymes, ↓ metabolism of oral anticoagulants, phenytoin, carbamazepine, quinidine, nifedipine, theophylline, TCAs)
Elimination
Additional Notes	Ranitidine has fewer side effects than cimetidine. Treatment should last for 4-8 weeks May mask symptoms of gastric cancer