Ranitidine is an active ingredient which belongs to the class of histamine H2-receptor blockers. Ranitidine is mainly found in drugs prescribed for the treatment of diseases where the amount of stomach acid is the cause of the disease. There are different concentrations of ranitidine in drugs that are believed to inhibit acid production in the stomach. Common drug concentrations range from 75mg to 300mg. The active ingredient Ranitidine is prescription-free at a concentration of 75mg per tablet and up to a total concentration of 1050mg per pack.
Mode of action
The active ingredient ranitidine attaches to the so-called histamine H2-receptor. Normally, when the tissue hormone histamine attaches to this receptor, increased stomach acid is produced. Ranitidine inhibits this process by competing with histamine for binding to this receptor.
In contrast to histamine, however, Ranitidine does not drive the production of gastric acid, but prevents it. Even at low concentrations, Ranitidine effectively inhibits the activity of the gastric cells responsible for the production of gastric acid. As a result of the lower amount of gastric acid, complaints such as heartburn can be effectively relieved and diseases such as reflux esophagitis and duodenal and gastric ulcers can be effectively treated.
The active ingredient ranitidine is broken down by the liver and up to 80% is excreted in the kidneys. The half-life in the blood, i.e. the time after which only half of the active ingredient is still found in the blood, is about 2-3 hours. Depending on the clinical picture, different concentrations are recommended for treating the disease.
Indications
The main indication for taking ranitidine is a medication for the treatment of duodenal or gastric ulcer. Ranitidine may also be taken to treat conditions such as heartburn and acid reflux, as well as inflammation of the esophagus (reflux esophagitis). A further indication for Ranitidine is the simultaneous intake of cortisone or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Here Ranitidin is used as stomach protection, since the income of these medicines can lead frequently to complaints such as stomach pain, heartburn and stomach bleeding. Ranitidine can also be administered to effectively reduce the risk of aspiration of gastric acid during birth. Ranitidine is also given intravenously in combination with histamine H1-receptor blockers to prevent allergic shock.
