Histamine H2 Antagonist (Oral Route, Injection Route, Intravenous Route)

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Histamine H2 Antagonist (Oral Route, Injection Route, Intravenous Route)

Drug Information provided by: Micromedex

US Brand Names

  • Axid
  • Axid AR
  • Axid Pulvules
  • Heartburn Relief
  • Pepcid
  • Pepcid AC
  • Tagamet
  • Tagamet HB
  • Zantac
  • Zantac 150
  • Zantac 150 Efferdose
  • Zantac 25

Canadian Brand Names

  • Alti-Ranitidine
  • Apo-Cimetidine
  • Apo-Famotidine
  • Famotidine

Description

Histamine H2-receptor antagonists, also known as H2-blockers, are used to treat duodenal ulcers and prevent their return. They are also used to treat gastric ulcers and for some conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison disease, in which the stomach produces too much acid. In over-the-counter (OTC) strengths, these medicines are used to relieve and/or prevent heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. H2-blockers may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

H2-blockers work by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

H2-blockers are available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, H2-blockers are used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

  • Damage to the stomach and/or intestines due to stress or trauma
  • Hives
  • Pancreatic problems
  • Stomach or intestinal ulcers (sores) resulting from damage caused by medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Before Using
DR601907 Portions of this document last updated: Nov. 1, 2011

Source: Drug Information provided by: Micromedex

Copyright © 2012 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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