H2RAs

These work to block the H2 receptors that receive histamine signals that tell the stomach to produce acid.

These work proactively to reduce the amount of acid by preventing histamine signals reaching the parietal cells telling them to make acid. They are not an instant antacid and are often prescribed to be taken in the evening to reduce nighttime acid.

(Other H2 blockers: Lafutidine, Loxtidine, Niperotidine, Roxatidine.)

* Please note doses shown are not guaranteed to be equivalent. Do not assume because a dose is shown it is the safe dose. It may vary according to age and body build. 

In 2019, some batches of Zantac were found to have a higher level of NDMA than they should. Although there is no evidence to prove it, NDMA (N-nitroso dimethylamine) is thought to be carcinogenic. Ranitidine was removed from the shelves. The levels of NDMA found, however, were no higher than found on grilled meat. Further investigaton showed the samples were tainted by incorrect storage.

This paper from February 2023 ruled out any cancer  risk. Study rules out link between use of ranitidine & cancer risk.
"The recent study provided no evidence of the association of NDMA impurities in ranitidine products with cancer risk, which further substantiates the US district court findings in which the Florida court dismissed almost 2,500 lawsuits alleging links between heartburn medication Zantac (Ranitidine) and cancer. The judge had said that almost 2,500 lawsuits filed in federal court by plaintiffs were based on flawed science and that the only reliable testing of the blockbuster drug undertaken showed an ‘unprovable risk of cancer’."

Page updated 5 December 2024