H2 antagonist

H2 antagonist is a type of medication that is used to reduce the production of stomach acid. They are commonly used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD).

Mechanism of Action

H2 antagonists work by blocking the action of histamine on the parietal cells in the stomach, which are responsible for producing acid. This reduces the amount of acid produced, helping to relieve symptoms of conditions such as GERD and PUD.

Types of H2 Antagonists

There are several different types of H2 antagonists, including:

• Cimetidine
• Ranitidine
• Famotidine
• Nizatidine

Each of these medications works in a similar way, but they may have different side effects and interactions with other medications.

Side Effects

Like all medications, H2 antagonists can cause side effects. These can include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting

If you experience any of these side effects while taking an H2 antagonist, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Interactions

H2 antagonists can interact with other medications, which can affect how they work or increase the risk of side effects. If you are taking any other medications, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider before starting an H2 antagonist.

Precautions

Before starting an H2 antagonist, you should discuss any other medical conditions you have with your healthcare provider. This includes if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

See Also

• Proton pump inhibitors
• Antacids

H2 antagonist Resources
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