Ranitidine

Abstract

Ranitidine, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, is now well established as a potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of gastrointestinal lesions aggravated by gastric acid secretion. Therapeutic trials involving several thousands of patients with peptic ulcer disease confirm that ranitidine 300mg daily administered orally in single or divided doses is at least as effective as cimetidine 800 to 1000mg daily in increasing the rate of healing of duodenal and gastric ulcers. Similar dosages of ranitidine have been shown to relieve the symptoms of reflux oesophagitis and heal or prevent gastrointestinal damage caused by ulcerogenic drugs. Ranitidine 150mg orally at night maintains ulcer healing in the long term. Ranitidine has also demonstrated good results in the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and in the prevention of aspiration pneumonitis when given prior to surgery and to pregnant women at full term. It may also have a place in the management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and in the prevention of stress ulcers in the intensive care setting, although these areas require further investigation. Ranitidine has been used safely in obstetric patients during labour, in children, the elderly, and in patients with renal impairment when given in appropriate dosages. The drug is very well tolerated and is only infrequently associated with serious adverse reactions or clinically significant drug interactions. Even at high dosages, ranitidine appears devoid of antiandrogenic effects. Ranitidine is clearly comparable or superior to most other antiulcer agents in the treatment and prevention of a variety of gastrointestinal disorders associated with gastric acid secretion. With its favourable efficacy and tolerability profiles, ranitidine must be considered a first-line agent when suppression of gastric acid secretion is indicated.

Biodegradability and ecotoxicitiy of tramadol, ranitidine, and their photoderivatives in the aquatic environment

“…The substance inhibits stomach acid production and is widely used in the treatment of duodenal and gastric ulceration, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and conditions of elevated gastric acidity such as Zollinger-Ellision syndrome (Grant et al 1989). In humans, the N-oxide is the principal metabolite in the urine, but it amounts to less than 6% of the dose.…”

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Critically Ill Children: A Review

“…This reduces acid secretion both in the basal situation and after stimulation by food, caffeine, insulin, or pentagastrin. The H 2 antagonists also indirectly reduce pepsin secretion, and they have a cytoprotective effect on the gastric mucosa, favoring healing [41]. …”

A computational study of intramolecular hydrogen bonds breaking/formation: impact on the structural flexibility of the ranitidine molecule

“…Ranitidine (RNT)-an active compound sold since 1981 [38]-is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, which reduces gastric acid secretion [12]. It is among the top 15 bestselling drugs in Europe [19], and is used for the treatment of active duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux [2].…”