Is a class of drugs that are used for gastritis heartburn, gastroesophageal-feflux-disease-(Gerd), and dyspepsia.

Method of Action

   -    Blockage of parietal cells use or reaction to histamine
   -    Parietal cells are located in the stomach
   -    This decreases the acid production

Types:

.         Cimetidine   [Tagamet]

Uses: heartburn, peptic ulcers

Was the initial medication in this class

.         Ranitidine   [Zantac]

Uses: heartburn, peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hives

.         Famotidine   [Pepcid]

Uses: heartburn, peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hives

Appears to be more active then cimetidine

There is some difficulity with the availability of this drug

.         Nizatidine   [Tazac, Axid]

Uses: peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease

Adverse Effects

   -    headache
   -    diarrhea
   -    rash
   -    fatigue
   -    others