Zolantidine

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== Zolantidine ==

Zolantidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist that was developed for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and other conditions where reduction of gastric acid secretion is beneficial. It works by blocking the action of histamine on the parietal cells in the stomach, thereby reducing the production of stomach acid.

Mechanism of Action

Zolantidine functions by inhibiting the histamine H2 receptors located on the parietal cells of the stomach lining. This inhibition prevents the activation of the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which in turn reduces the levels of cyclic AMP and ultimately decreases the secretion of gastric acid.

Clinical Use

Zolantidine was primarily investigated for its potential use in treating peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome where excessive gastric acid production is a problem. However, it did not gain widespread use and is less commonly known compared to other H2 receptor antagonists like ranitidine and cimetidine.

Side Effects

The side effects of zolantidine are similar to those of other H2 receptor antagonists and may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Rash

Development and Availability

Zolantidine was developed during the same period as other H2 receptor antagonists but did not achieve the same level of commercial success. It is not widely available and is less commonly prescribed compared to other medications in its class.

See Also

• Histamine H2 receptor
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Ranitidine
• Cimetidine