Examples
| Brand Name | Chemical Name |
| Tagamet | cimetidine |
| Pepcid | famotidine |
| Axid | nizatidine |
| Zantac | ranitidine hydrochloride |
Histamine H2 acid reducers (commonly called H2 blockers) are available in nonprescription and prescription forms.
H2 blockers are usually taken by mouth, although some can also be given as an injection. Two doses (morning and evening) are generally recommended to control both daytime and nighttime symptoms. Doctors sometimes recommend a single dose, taken at bedtime.
How It Works
H2 blockers decrease the production of stomach acid, which may reduce irritation to the stomach lining and help an ulcer heal.
Why It Is Used
H2 blockers often are used to treat a peptic ulcer or symptoms of indigestion (dyspepsia). Serious complications from these drugs are uncommon.
H2 blockers are sometimes combined with antibiotics to treat a peptic ulcer caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
How Well It Works
H2 blockers are often effective treatments for indigestion or heartburn. All four appear to work equally well.
H2 blockers are often able to control the symptoms of an ulcer. But they cannot treat an ulcer that is caused by an infection with H. pylori bacteria. H2 blockers are sometimes used in combination with antibiotics to treat H. pylori infections. But H2 blockers are less effective in this role than proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).1
Side Effects
Minimal side effects occur with short-term use of H2 blockers. Side effects may include:
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
Older people who are in an intensive care unit may occasionally experience mental confusion while taking H2 blockers.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Antacids and H2 blockers should not be taken within 2 hours of each other because the antacid will cause the H2 blockers to take effect more slowly.
Some people find that taking a single bedtime dose of an H2 blocker effectively relieves their symptoms. This schedule is also very convenient.
Prescription-strength cimetidine and ranitidine are available in a generic form. This may be a cost-effective alternative for some people. Ask your doctor whether using a generic form of one of these medications is right for you.
H2 blockers are generally considered safe for pregnant women to use. However, discuss this with your doctor if you want to use them during pregnancy.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| Author | Colleen Cronin |
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Andrew H. Soll, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | January 12, 2006 |
Ralph Poore
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
