What is Ranitidine and how does it work?

What is Ranitidine?

Ranitidine is a drug which belongs to a class of medications called H2 blockers. H2 blockers, also known as H2 receptor antagonists, work by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Ranitidine specifically blocks the action of histamine, a chemical that stimulates acid-producing cells in the stomach. By blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, ranitidine reduces both basal acid secretion and acid stimulated by various foods or stress. This suppression of acid production provides relief from conditions like heartburn, acid indigestion and peptic ulcers.



How Ranitidine Works

The inner lining of the stomach produces acid and an enzyme called pepsin to help break down food. Histamine interacts with H2 receptors found on parietal cells in the stomach to signal them to secrete acid into the stomach. Ranitidine works by competitively binding to H2 receptors, preventing histamine from attaching and initiating acid production. This results in decreased acid secretion from 10-70% depending on the dose used. Ranitidine takes effect within one to two hours after oral administration and maximum suppression of stomach acid occurs within 2-5 hours. Its effects last for around 12 hours, which is why it is prescribed to be taken twice daily.



Conditions Treated by Ranitidine

Given its ability to suppress stomach acid, ranitidine is commonly used to treat acid-related gastrointestinal disorders like:



Gastritis - Inflammation of the stomach lining caused by excess stomach acid. Ranitidine reduces acid levels to allow healing.



Peptic Ulcers - Sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach or upper small intestine due to acid damage. Ranitidine treatment helps ulcers heal by decreasing acid.



Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - A more serious and long-lasting form of heartburn. Ranitidine relieves heartburn symptoms by preventing stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus.



Duodenal Ulcers - Ulcers occurring in the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum, also caused by excess acid exposure. Treatment with ranitidine helps these ulcers heal.



Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome - A rare condition where tumors produce excess gastrin hormone, stimulating excessive stomach acid production. Ranitidine diminishes this acid overload.



Other Uses of Ranitidine

Besides acid-related GI disorders, ranitidine has found use in the following conditions:



Prevention of Ulcers during NSAID Therapy - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can damage the stomach lining and promote ulcers. Ranitidine protects against this side effect when taking NSAIDs.



Radiation-induced Esophagitis - Inflammation and soreness of the esophagus caused by radiation treatment for certain cancers in the chest/abdominal area. Ranitidine alleviates symptoms.



Side Effects of Ranitidine

Ranitidine is generally well-tolerated. However, some common side effects may include:



- Headache

- Dizziness

- Constipation or diarrhea

- Nausea

- Rash

- Insomnia

- Fatigue

- Impotence in men



Rare side effects can include confusion, swelling of the hands/feet, bruising easily and yellowing of eyes/skin. Interactions may occur when combining ranitidine with certain medications like warfarin, digoxin or ketoconazole. As with any drug, consult your doctor about potential drug interactions. At recommended doses and durations, ranitidine is considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women as well. Overall it has an excellent safety profile.



Alternatives to Ranitidine

Other acid reducing medications available as alternatives to ranitidine include:



- Famotidine (Pepcid)- Similar mechanisms of action as ranitidine but longer duration of suppression. Fewer drug interactions as well.



- Cimetidine (Tagamet) - One of the first H2 blockers developed but weaker effects compared to famotidine or ranitidine. May interact with more drugs than famotidine.



- Esomeprazole (Nexium)- Proton pump inhibitor that works via a different mechanism than H2 blockers for more potent acid suppression. Considered first-line for GERD or severe ulcers.



- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)- Another proton pump inhibitor with long duration of action up to 24 hours making it suitable for once daily dosing.



- Omeprazole (Prilosec)- First proton pump inhibitor developed. Shorter half-life than esomeprazole or lansoprazole.

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