The OTC H2 blockers include:
- cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
- famotidine (Calmicid, Fluxid, Pepcid AC)
- nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR)
- ranitidine (Tritec, Wal-Zan, Zantac 25, Zantac 75, Zantac 150)
What is the best H2 blocker?
Types of H2 blockers
- Cimetidine. Cimetidine (Tagamet) comes in prescription, over-the-counter, injectable, and intravenous forms. ...
- Ranitidine hydrochloride. Ranitidine hydrochloride (Zantac) also comes in several forms, including prescription and nonprescription oral doses and an injectable solution.
- Nizatidine. ...
- Famotidine. ...
What to know about H2 blockers?
Taking Your H2 Blockers
- These medicines are most often taken with the first meal of the day. In some cases, you may also take them before your evening meal.
- It takes 30 to 90 minutes for the medicines to work. The benefits will last several hours. People often take the drugs at bedtime, as well.
- Symptoms may improve for up to 24 hours after taking the drug.
Which is better H2 blocker or PPI?
Which is better h2 blocker or PPI? Both medications work by blocking and decreasing the production of stomach acid, but PPIs are considered stronger and faster in reducing stomach acids. However, H2 receptor blockers specifically decrease the acid released in the evening, which is a common contributor to peptic ulcers.
What are H2 blockers?
What are the Similarities Between H1 and H2 Blockers?
- Both are types of antihistamines.
- They block the histamines receptors.
- They are used for the treatment of human diseases.
- Both exist as neutral receptor antagonists or inverse agonists.
What is the safest H2 blocker to take?
Thus, famotidine is a safe and potent H2-receptor blocker of acid secretion.
Is Tums an H2 blocker?
Antacids like TUMS relieve occasional heartburn by neutralizing the acid content in the stomach and esophagus — they are fast acting and can be taken as needed. H2 blockers relieve recurring heartburn by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and can last up to 12 hours.
What is a good H2 blocker?
There are four drugs in the H2 blocker class—cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac). Each works about as well as the other. Choosing one is largely a matter of preference. However, famotidine and nizatidine are least likely to cause problems with drug interactions.
What are common H2 blockers?
Types of H2 BlockersFamotidine (Pepcid AC, Pepcid Oral, Zantac 360)Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)Nizatidine Capsules (Axid AR, Axid Capsules, Nizatidine Capsules)
What is the safest antacid to take long term?
Oral pantoprazole is a safe, well tolerated and effective initial and maintenance treatment for patients with nonerosive GERD or erosive esophagitis.
What is the best OTC for acid reflux?
Best Heartburn MedicationsFamotidine (Pepcid)Omeprazole (Prilosec)Esomeprazole (Nexium)Mylicon.Calcium carbonate (TUMS)Maalox.Sodium Bicarbonate.
Can you take H2 blockers everyday?
Cimetidine may interfere with the absorption of anticoagulants (blood thinners), antidepressants, and blood pressure medications. But Dr. Staller says generally speaking, there are no long- or short-term health risks of using H2 blockers.
Is Benadryl a histamine blocker?
Zyrtec and Benadryl are antihistamines, or H1 receptor blockers. They work by blocking histamine. Histamine is a substance your body makes during an allergic reaction, causing those pesky symptoms. By blocking histamine, Zyrtec and Benadryl help relieve allergy symptoms.
Is it OK to take famotidine every day?
Do not take more than two tablets, capsules, or chewable tablets of over-the-counter famotidine in 24 hours and do not take over-the-counter famotidine for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you that you should.
Is Prilosec a H2 blocker?
H2 blockers: cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and ranitidine (Zantac) PPIs: esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix) and rabeprazole (AcipHex).
Which antihistamines are H2 blockers?
Description and Brand NamesAxid.Axid AR.Axid Pulvules.Heartburn Relief.Pepcid.Pepcid AC.Tagamet.Tagamet HB.More items...•
Is Benadryl an H1 or H2 blocker?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Benylin, Diphen) Diphenhydramine is a sedating peripheral H1 receptor antagonist. It is used for symptomatic relief of allergic symptoms caused by histamine released in response to allergens.
What's the difference between an antacid and an acid blocker?
There are many different brands of antacids. They come in the forms of chewable tablets, dissolving tablets, and liquid. H2 blockers reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. While they don't relieve symptoms as quick as antacids, they do last longer.
Which is better for GERD PPI or H2 blocker?
It may take longer for a PPI to ease your symptoms than an H2 receptor blocker, which usually starts reducing stomach acid within one hour. However, symptom relief from PPIs will generally last longer. So PPI medications tend to be most appropriate for those with GERD.
Which is safer H2 blocker or PPI?
If you had to choose between long-term PPI use or long-term H2 blocker use, the H2 blocker would be the safer bet. H2 blockers reduce stomach acidity to a much lesser extent while maintaining the stomach's ability to react to internal stimuli and change the acidity as needed.
Can H2 blockers cause liver damage?
Famotidine is a histamine type 2 receptor antagonist (H2 blocker) which is commonly used for treatment of acid-peptic disease and heartburn. Famotidine has been linked to rare instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.
What are H2 antagonists?
H2 antagonists block histamine-induced gastric acid secretion from the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa (lining of the stomach).
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
What are the OTC H2 blockers?
Common OTC H2-blockers include: Tagamet HB (cimetidine) Pepcid Complete or Pepcid AC (famotidine) Axid AR (nizatidine)
How to report a drug side effect?
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088) .
How do antacids help with heartburn?
Antacids relieve heartburn (indigestion). They work by changing the stomach acid that causes heartburn. Common OTC antacids include:
What is H2 receptor blocker?
H2 receptor blockers are a class of medications that can be used to treat conditions that cause excess stomach acid. These medications are available over the counter and by prescription. Common H2 receptor blockers include:
How many people stop taking H2 receptor blockers?
Most of the side effects associated with H2 receptor blockers are mild and usually subside as a person takes the medication over time. Only 1.5 percent of people stop taking H2 receptor blockers due to the side effects.
How does H2 receptor blocker affect stomach acid?
According to the National Institutes of Health, H2 receptor blockers decrease stomach acid secretions over a 24-hour period by 70 percent.
What is the best blocker for gastritis?
nizatidine (Axid) famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC) cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) H2 receptor blockers are most commonly used to treat gastritis, or inflamed stomach, and to treat peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.
What is the best medication for acid reflux?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are another type of medication used to reduce stomach acid and treat acid reflux or GERD. Examples of PPIs include esomeprazole (Nexium) and pantoprazole (Protonix).
Can H2 blockers cause heartburn?
GERD is a chronic form of acid reflux, which causes acidic stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus. The frequent exposure to stomach acid can irritate the esophagus and lead to uncomfortable symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, or trouble swallowing. H2 blockers may also be used to treat less common conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison ...
Can H2 blockers cause stomach acid?
Despite their potential side effects, H2 receptor blockers are usually a very effective treatment for conditions that cause excess stomach acid. You and your doctor can discuss the potential risks and determine whether H2 receptor blockers are the best option for your particular condition.
What Other Conditions Are Treated with H2 Receptor Blockers?
Another name for H2 receptor blockers is H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs). These drugs are FDA-approved to treat other gastric conditions like:
What Other Drugs Are Used to Treat GERD?
Proton pump inhibitors are the preferred prescription medications for gastrointestinal reflux disease. They work by preventing the parietal cells of the stomach from producing acid. Proton pump inhibitors available in the U.S. include:
Can You Overdose on H2 Receptor Blockers?
It is possible to overdose on H2 receptor antagonist medications if you take more than the prescribed amount. Some of the symptoms of an H2 receptor blocker overdose are:
Are There Side Effects of H2 Receptor Blockers?
There are few reported cases of H2 receptor blocker side effects. When side effects occur, they are usually minor. Some of them include:
What is H2 blocker?
H2 blockers are sometimes called H2 receptor blockers or H2 receptor antagonists. These drugs can treat GERD, gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastric hypersecretion, and mild heartburn or indigestion.
How does H2 blocker work?
H2 blockers work by lowering the amount of hydrochloric acid in a person’s stomach. They do this by binding to the histamine receptors. This reduces the amount of acid that they are able to secrete.
How do antacids help with heartburn?
They work by neutralizing the stomach acid, which means that less acid develops in a person’s stomach.
Can you take H2 blockers over the counter?
H2 blockers are available over the counter or with a prescription. People tend to tolerate these drugs well.
Can a medication cause a gord?
There are also some medications that can cause GORD or make the symptoms of GORD worse. These include:
Can antacids help with GORD?
Although antacids can treat mild symptoms of GORD, a person should not use these drugs to treat more severe symptoms without first discussing this with a healthcare professional.
What is H2 blocker?
Histamine-2 (H2) Blockers for Heartburn and Reflux
When to take H2 blockers?
Histaminestimulates acid production, especially after meals, so H2 blockers are best taken 30 minutes before meals. They can also be taken at bedtimeto suppress nighttime production of acid. Examples of prescription H2 blockers:
How does Metoclopramide work?
Promotility agents work by stimulating the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which may help prevent acids from staying in the stomachtoo long, and strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter, reducing reflux into the esophagus. Metoclopramide(Reglan) is a promotility agent occasionally used to treat heartburn associated with GERD. The side effects of Reglan can be serious and may include drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, restlessness, and movement problems.
Can you take over the counter medicine for heartburn?
Frequent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that occurs more than twice a week usually responds best to heartburn medicine that you take daily rather than just when you feel the heartburn. Most of the over-the-counter treatments are not meant to be taken daily for a long time. Check in with your doctor to see if you need a prescription medicine for your heartburn.
Can H2 blockers help with reflux?
In prescription form (usually higher doses than the over-the-counter versions), H2 blockers can generally relieve heartburn and treat reflux, especially if you’ve never had treatment before. These drugs are particularly useful at alleviating heartburn, but may not be as good for treating esophagitis ( inflammation that occurs in the esophagus) ...
What Is Heartburn?
- Heartburn occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus—the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Also called acid indigestion, heartburn is an uncomfortable, burning feeling in the mid-chest, behind the breastbone, or in the upper part of the abdomen—the area between the chest and the hips. This ...
How Do I Use These Drugs Safely and Effectively?
- Read the label.
- Do not take more than directedor use for longer than directed on the label.
- If your heartburn symptoms persist even after taking these drugs, then talk to a health care professional.
More Safety Information
- Antacids
1. Warning: Aspirin-Containing Antacid Medicines Can Cause Bleeding - Proton Pump Inhibitors
1. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI): Class Labeling ChangeExternal Link Disclaimer 2. FDA Drug Safety Communication: Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) Can be Associated With Stomach Acid Drugs 3. FDA Drug Safety Communication: Possible increased risk of fracture of t…
More Consumer Information
- Regulatory Information
1. Rulemaking History for OTC Antacid Drug Products 2. Code of Federal Regulations on Antacid Products for OTC Human Use