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What are H2-receptor blockers?

H2-receptor blockers are a group of medications that prevent the release of stomach acid and are used to treat heartburn and ulcers. Cimetidine (brand name Tagamet), >ranitidine (Zantac), >famotidine (Pepcid), and >nizatidine (Axid) are all H2-receptor blockers. They’re all available over the counter in low dose formulations. While they're all equally effective, Pepcid may not work as quickly as the others do. To prevent heartburn, you take the medication 30 to 60 minutes before eating. To treat heartburn, you take it as needed up to twice daily.

In higher doses, these drugs can also treat a more severe type of heartburn called reflux disease (also called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD), stomach ulcers, and intestinal ulcers. Higher doses require a prescription and should be taken as directed by your doctor. All four medications are equally effective in treating ulcers and reflux disease. Therapy for ulcers takes at least four weeks and therapy for reflux disease takes at least 12 weeks.

Sources:
Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995.
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex, Inc., 2000.

This answer prepared 5/22/00.

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