Medications in this family sharply decrease stomach acid production. They are widely used for the treatment of ulcers as well as for mild cases of esophageal reflux (heartburn). Drugs that fall into this family include cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD); nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR); ranitidine hydrochloride (Zantac, Zantac EFFERdose, Zantac GELdose, Zantac 75). Also: H2 Blocker

	Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers Recommendation Licorice Root "...Deglycyrrhized licorice root (DGL) and glutamine have been used to get people off of antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibiters (PPI)..." Increased Folic Acid Requirement Our Question about H2-blocker antacid use "There is some evidence that H2 blockers may slightly reduce the absorption of folate..." Iron Requirement Our Question about H2-blocker antacid use "By reducing stomach acid levels, H2 blockers might interfere with the absorption of iron, zinc, and perhaps other minerals..." Steatorrhea The Condition "...This protection can be achieved by either reducing the secretion of hydrogen ions with an H2 blocker (while continuing therapy with the same potent enzymes) or by ingesting pH-sensitive enteric-coated pancreatic enzymes..." Zinc Requirement Our Question about H2-blocker antacid use "By reducing stomach acid levels, H2 blockers might interfere with the absorption of iron, zinc and perhaps other minerals..."

Last updated: May 10, 2007