title: Clinical review of histamine2 receptor antagonists.
abstract: Histamine2 receptor antagonists are beneficial in treating gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, and hypersecretory states. Histamine2 receptor antagonists are helpful for the prevention of stress ulceration and recurrence of gastric and duodenal ulcer. Four histamine2 blockers are approved for clinical use: cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine, and nizatidine. This review compares these agents in three areas: efficacy, adverse drug reactions, and drug interactions. Although limited published data exist for famotidine and nizatidine, both are as effective as the better-studied ranitidine and cimetidine when administered appropriately. Subtle differences exist among the four agents in the areas of drug interactions and adverse effects. Individual practitioners may decide if these differences are important enough to affect drug choice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson 85724.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Lipsy
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fennerty
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Fagan
mesh_terms: D002927:Cimetidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015738:Famotidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016567:Nizatidine; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D013844:Thiazoles; D015738:Famotidine; D002927:Cimetidine; D011899:Ranitidine; D016567:Nizatidine