Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
H2 blockers are medicines that are commonly prescribed to relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal
reflux disease, or GERD, a condition in which food and liquids travel from the stomach to
the esophagus. They are also used to treat peptic or stomach ulcers and other conditions
where it is helpful to reduce stomach acid. A lower dose form of these drugs can be bought
over-the-counter at pharmacies, and are approved to treat heartburn, acid-indigestion, and
sour or upset stomach. However, if you need to take them for a prolonged period of time,
see your healthcare provider. H2 blockers work by reducing the amount of acid made by
the stomach. Common side effects of H2 blockers are headache, diarrhea, or constipation. Sometimes
these medications cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you
know how they affect you. Some examples of medications in this class are ranitidine,
also known as Zantac, and famotidine, also known as Pepcid. Although rare, severe allergic
reactions have been reported. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience difficulty
swallowing or breathing, hives, skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face, throat,
tongue, lips, or extremeties. It is always a good idea to ask questions about your medication
if you are unsure or if you experience something out of the ordinary. As always, take this
medication as prescribed. Keep up to date with medication information by following RxWiki
on your favorite social media platforms.