Acid reducers are types of medications that limit stomach acid. As a result, acid reducers are taken for the prevention of heartburn and the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and ulcers.
Mechanism of Action
Histamine stimulates the release of gastric acid. An acid reducer prevents histamine stimulation. Consequently, gastric acid is not released due to the inhibited histamine.
Uses
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Ulcers
- Helicobacter pylori infections
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Barrett's esophagus
Details
Acid reducers are a large part of the modern drug industry. The first "blockbuster drug" was Tagamet (cimetidine)City Journal: Hooray For Blockbuster Drugs(August 1, 2008) It was quickly followed by Zantac (ranitidine), which eliminated or reduced certain side effects of cimetidine, and the other acid reducers. Currently, all four acid reducers (cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, and nizatidine) are available over-the-counter.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking an acid reducer.
Acid Reducers Competitors
Acid Reducers Abuse
- iVillage: Symptoms of H2 Blocker Overdose
References
Fast Facts
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Class
Histamine-2 receptor antagonist
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Routes
Oral, intravenous
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Availability
Prescription, over-the-counter
