H2 receptor antagonist

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

H2 receptor antagonists are a class of medications that are commonly used to treat conditions that cause excess stomach acid. These include peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

H2 receptor 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 and promote healing of the affected areas.

Examples[edit | edit source]

There are several different H2 receptor antagonists available, including:

Each of these medications has its own specific uses, side effects, and contraindications, so it's important to discuss these with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Like all medications, H2 receptor antagonists can cause side effects. These can vary depending on the specific medication used, but may include:

If you experience any severe or persistent side effects while taking an H2 receptor antagonist, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

H2 receptor antagonists are generally safe for most people to use. However, they may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as:

Again, it's important to discuss these factors with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

See Also[edit | edit source]

H2 receptor antagonist Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD