What do H2RAs do?

What do H2RAs do?

H2 blockers are sometimes called H2 receptor antagonists, or H2RAs. They reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces. This can help treat many common health issues, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, and occasional heartburn.

What are long-term effects of H2 blockers?

The safety of long-term H2-receptor antagonist therapy needs to be considered in relation to the potential consequences of prolonged acid suppression, including the risk of proliferation of gastric flora and the risk of developing enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia, which could in turn, theoretically, lead to …

What is the most common side effect of the H2 blockers?

The most common side effect is headache. Cimetidine. Side effects are rare. But diarrhea, dizziness, rashes, headaches, and gynecomastia may occur.

What side effects might a patient on histamine blockers experience?

Some of the side effects that may occur with H2 receptor blockers include:

• constipation.
• diarrhea.
• difficulty sleeping.
• dry mouth.
• dry skin.
• headaches.
• ringing in the ears.
• a runny nose.

Are histamine blockers safe?

Are there risks to using H2 blockers? 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.

How long should you take H2 blockers?

To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease:

1. Adults—800 to 1600 mg a day, divided into smaller doses. Treatment usually lasts for 12 weeks.
2. Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

What is the safest H2 blocker to take?

Thus, famotidine is a safe and potent H2-receptor blocker of acid secretion.

Do H2 blockers slow digestion?

H2 blockers block a substance in the body that encourages acid production in the stomach. They work more slowly than antacids and are intended to last for longer periods of time. On the down side, they stop production of pepsin, a digestive enzyme necessary for breaking down protein.

Does Pepcid cause anxiety?

This heartburn medication can cause restlessness, depression, insomnia, anxiety and muscle twitching. The acid-suppressing drug Pepcid can add to depression, anxiety and insomnia.