Acid blockers, also called histamine, or H2, blockers, are medications that reduce the amount of stomach acid being released into the digestive system, according to MayoClinic.com. Normally, stomach acid aids in the digestion of food and is unable to damage the stomach due to a protective mucous secretion covering the lining of the organ. In some patients this lining has been disrupted and the acid begins to damage the stomach. Acid production requires histamine to interact with special cells within the stomach. Acid blockers prevent this process and thus decrease acid production. H2 blockers are effective in treating conditions such as peptic ulcers and reflux disease, but various adverse side effects have been associated with their use.
Headache
One possible side effect of acid blocker use is a headache, according to Patient UK. The headache is not a common side effect, but has been noted by patients. Especially when the drug is taken when the stomach is empty. The headache can be caused by the effects of the drug on histamine receptors in other areas of the body. Histamine has many effects throughout the whole body, and if the H2 blocker penetrates the stomach and goes to other areas, then side effects such as headache may develop. The headache is usually mild and resolves quickly. If the headache persists or becomes chronic, then the patient should seek medical advice.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can be side effects of acid blockers, reports the University of Michigan Health System. Histamine blockers interfere with the normal acid production within the stomach. Rarely, this can disrupt the whole digestive process. Disruption of the digestive system can cause a release of chemicals or activation of the centers of the brain responsible for nausea and vomiting. Once this happens, the patient will experience nausea and vomiting as long as the H2 blocker is in his system. If the patient experiences multiple episodes of vomiting, the acid blocker treatment should be stopped and another form of medication should be given for the patient's condition.
Decreased Sexual Ability
In some patients who have taken acid blockers for an extended period of time, a decrease in sexual ability can occur, states MayoClinic.com. This side effect commonly manifests in patients who are taking the H2 blocker cimetidine for more than a year. Decreased sexual ability can refer to erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. This can be a highly distressing side effect, and can cause the patient to stop taking the drug. Physicians should inform patients that if this side effect develops, other medications could be used to control the disease.
Defecation Issues
Constipation and diarrhea are both listed side effects of acid blockers, according to the University of Michigan Health System. These symptoms are brought about by the interference the drugs play in the normal flow of ingested food. Without proper stomach acid production food takes longer to be digested. This can prevent the patient from forming normal stool. The stool can either be too hard or too watery. In either case, the patient will experience the diarrhea and constipation for as long as the histamine blocker is used.
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