Ranitidine, also known as Zantac, is a medication that blocks the histamine H2 receptor. It is primarily used in the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions due to their effect on the H2 receptors in the stomach. Their use decreases the basal levels of acid secretion in addition to the amount of acid secreted in response to stimulus like food. Like all medications, it has its own side effect profile, which is quite minor in this case.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Adverse reactions that affect the gastrointestinal, or GI, system include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal discomfort. Rarely, pancreatitis and hepatitis have occurred; and events involving the liver are reason enough to discontinue the drug. Prolonged suppression of stomach acid can lead to a condition called atrophic gastritis; when this condition occurs in the presence of helicobacter pylori bacteria, gastric cancer risk is increased.
Effects on Blood
Effects on the components of blood are not frequent, but neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are the most commonly encountered. These are deficiencies in the number of white blood cells and platelets, respectively. Usually withdrawal of therapy is enough to allow for recovery.
Dermatologic Effects
These are rare, and include rash, Steven Johnson syndrome (a type of rash that can expand to systemic symptoms), alopecia (hair loss), and hypersensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivities include anaphylaxis, wheezing, fever and angioedema (swelling of the lips, or other soft tissues).
Nervous System Effects
Headache seems to be the primary nervous system side effect that has been directly related to ranitidine therapy, and can be quite painful. Other side effects include changes in mental status, delirium, paranoia, depression, and disorientation. However, these seem to vary depending on the patient and circumstance and are also not very common , according to the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Respiratory Side Effects
Evidence suggests a link between respiratory infection and therapy that suppresses stomach acid, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Several theories have been offered about how this occurs, but main point is that a link between pneumonia and stomach acid-suppressive therapy has been made. While a direct causal relationship has yet to be established, doctors have been advised to more carefully select patients before starting them on H2-blocker therapy.
References
- Annals of Internal Medicine. "Central Nervous System Reactions to histamine-2 receptor blockers." Cantu TG, Korek JS. 1991;114:1027-34.
- Journal of the American Medical Association. "Risk of community acquired pneumonia and use of gastric acid-suppressive drugs." Laheij RJ, Sturkenboom MC, Hassing RJ. 2004;292:1955-60.
- MDConsult.com: Drug Information
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