H2 blockers, also called H2-receptor antagonists, are medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces by blocking one important producer of acid: histamine2.
Histamine2, a common chemical in the body, signals the stomach to make acid. H2 blockers oppose histamine’s action and reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. This type of medication is used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They also have been prescribed for the treatment of peptic ulcer symptoms.
Below are commonly asked questions about H2 blockers.
- How do H2 blockers work?
H2 blockers, also called H2-receptor antagonists, are medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces by blocking one important producer of acid -- histamine2. How exactly do they do that? - What are H2 blockers used for?
While H2 blockers are used most often in the treatment of GERD symptoms, they are used for other digestive disorders. - Are there differences among the different H2 blockers?
While there are differences between H2 blockers depending on whether they are the over the counter or prescription, this isn't the biggest difference between H2 blockers. - How are H2 blockers different from Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)?
While both PPIs and H2 blockers suppress gastric acid secretion, they do it at different stages of production.
H2 blockers include Zantac (ranitidine), Pepcid (famotidine), Tagamet (cimetidine), and Axid (nizatidine).
For more information on these medications, and others, please go to Drugs A to Z.
For more information on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), you can find information at the following resources:
Children and GERD:
- Symptoms of GERD in Infants
- Symptoms of GERD in Children
- Symptoms of GERD in Teens
- Diagnosing GERD in Infants
- Diagnosing GERD in Children
- Diagnosing GERD in Teens
- Treating GERD in Infants
- Treating GERD in Children
- Treating GERD in Teens
