Histamine antagonists attach to histamine H2 receptors on parietal cells within the stomach, effectively obstructing gastric acid production. Cimetidine, the initial histamine H2-receptor antagonist to be commercially available, continues to be utilized in numerous nations. Traditional antihistamines function by inhibiting histamine H2 receptors; however, they do not affect the production of stomach acid. H2 receptor antagonists are highly effective for the majority of people experiencing chronic heartburn that does not improve with lifestyle modifications or alternative medications. Intense heartburn, on the other hand, could indicate the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and necessitates therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
H2RAs have a prolonged duration of action and inhibit the damaging impact of gastric acid that regurgitates into the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation called heartburn. Additionally, they can be beneficial for the symptomatic management of a peptic ulcer since inhibiting acid production can facilitate rapid healing within a short period.
H2RAs are frequently administered as a symptomatic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
H2RAs are frequently administered as a symptomatic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, their efficacy is inferior to that of benzylamine antihistamines used for IBS. It is not advisable to use these medications for an extended period, and one should carefully examine the potential risks of adverse effects, such as bone marrow suppression.
Recently, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have emerged as the favored treatment for peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Nevertheless, for patients who are unable or want not to take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) due to different causes, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) remain a widely favored medication option due to their affordability and relatively low-risk profile.
Four H2RAs have been granted patents and are accessible as prescription medications, along with several generic alternatives. These are available in several forms, including capsules, pills, chewable tablets, liquid, effervescent tablets, or in combination with antacids. It is imperative for patients to carefully peruse the label and address any inquiries with a medical professional or pharmacist.
(H2RA) should be evaluated for the presence of other variables.
Patients admitted to the hospital with a suspected Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) who have been prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) should be evaluated for the presence of other variables, such as Helicobacter pylori infection. Patients who are prescribed a high dose of H2RA should not stop taking the medication without consulting a healthcare professional. Doing so can result in the recurrence of symptoms, such as peptic ulcer, and prolong the healing process of the digestive tract. Overall, combining a PPI with H2RAs does not impact the duration of diarrhea resolution.
Likewise, using H2RA during antibiotic therapy does not substantially impact the recovery duration from bacterial overgrowth. The significance of an unexpected negative response to H2RAs in a medical setting is usually minor and should be promptly reported.
