H2 or antagonists histamine 2 blocker is a group of drugs used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In addition, drugs belonging to the H2 antagonist class can also be used in the treatment of stomach ulcers, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Normally, the stomach will produce stomach acid to help the process of digestion of food, while killing bacteria that enter with food. However, in some conditions, the protective lining of the stomach and intestines is damaged so that stomach acid irritates the digestive tract.
In addition, disturbances in the muscles that line the stomach and esophagus can also cause stomach acid to rise up and cause GERD. H2 antagonists will reduce gastric acid production by blocking the action of histamine 2 receptors in the stomach wall.
With reduced gastric acid production, complaints can subside. This way of working will also help heal wounds in the lining of the stomach and small intestine due to irritation of stomach acid.
Precautions Before Using H2 . Antagonists
Follow the doctor's advice and advice during treatment with H2 antagonists. Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. H2 antagonists should not be used by patients who are allergic to any of the drugs belonging to this class of drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, phenylketonuria, liver disease, porphyria, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal tumors, a weakened immune system, or lung disease, such as COPD.
- Consult a doctor if you want to undergo a stomach acid test procedure or allergy test. H2 antagonist drugs can affect the results of these tests.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Avoid driving a vehicle or doing activities that require alertness after taking H2 antagonists, as these drugs can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using an H2 antagonist.
Side Effects and Hazards of H2 Antagonists
Side effects of H2 antagonists can vary depending on the type of drug. However, in general, there are some side effects that can occur after using drugs that are included in the H2 antagonists, namely:
- dry mouth
- Headache or dizziness
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Difficulty sleeping or just sleepy
Check with your doctor if the above side effects appear. You should also see a doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to your medication or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Mental and mood disturbances, including anxiety, confusion, depression, or hallucinations
- An infectious disease that can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, or cough that doesn't go away
- Fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heart rate
- Unusual fatigue, persistent nausea and vomiting, severe stomach pain, or jaundice
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or seizures
Types and TrademarksH2 . antagonist
The following are the types of drugs that are included in the H2 antagonist class, along with their trademarks and dosages based on age and the condition to be treated:
1. Cimetidine
Drug form: Tablets, caplets and capsules
Trademarks: Cimetidine, Cimexol, Corsamet, Licomet, Sanmetidine, Tidifar, Ulcusan, Xepamet
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the cimetidine drug page.
2. Famotidine
Drug form: Tablets, chewable tablets, and caplets
Trademarks: Amocid, Corocyd, Denufam, Famocid, Famotidine, Hufatidine, Lexmodine, Magstop, Neosanmag, Polysilane Max, Pratifar, Promag Double Action, Renapepsa, Starmag Double Impact, Tismafam, Ulmo
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the famotidine drug page.
3. Nizatidine
Medicine form: Capsule
Nizatidine trademarks:-
Condition: Stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or gastrointestinal ulcers due to NSAIDs
- Adult: 300 mg at bedtime or divided into 2 separate doses, for 4–8 weeks. Maintenance dose 150 mg at bedtime.
Condition: Gastric pains
- Adult: 75 mg daily, dose may be repeated if necessary. The maximum dose is 150 mg per day, for 2 weeks.
Condition: Acid reflux disease (GERD)
- Adult: 150–300 mg, 2 times daily, for 12 weeks.
- Children 12 years of age: 150 mg, 2 times daily, for 8 weeks.
4. Ranitidine
Drug form: Tablets, caplets, and injections
Trademarks: Ranitidine, Ranitidine, Ranitidine Hydrochloride, Ranitidine HCL
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the ranitidine drug page.
