Histamine Receptor Type 2 Blockers (H2 Blockers)

Overview

• H2 blockers are medications used to treat stomach ulcers and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
• H2 stands for Histamine Receptor Type 2, typically found in the stomach.
• Activation of these receptors stimulates stomach acid production.
• H2 blockers decrease stomach acid production.

Recognizing H2 Blockers

• Drug names end in '-tidine'.
• Examples:
  • Cimetidine
  • Ranitidine
  • Famotidine
• Mnemonic: Remember the banner with "Good Tidings" symbolizing the ending -tidine.

Clinical Uses

• GI Ulcers: Visualize a hole in the shirt over the belly.
  • H2 blockers treat GI ulcers by reducing stomach acid.
  • Used to prevent ulcers.
• GERD: Represented by a bubbling acid flask.
  • GERD = Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (acid reflux or heartburn).
  • H2 blockers prevent stomach acid from bubbling up into the esophagus.

Side Effects

• Liver Damage (Hepatotoxicity): Visualized by a liver-shaped lever on a carriage.
  • Monitor AST and ALT enzymes.
• Drug Interactions: Symbolized by spilling pills due to an uncooperative horse.
  • Cimetidine causes drug interactions by altering liver enzyme activity.
  • Watch out for interactions with Warfarin and Theophylline.

Recap

• H2 blockers end in -tidine (e.g., Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine).
• Reduce gastric acid production, helping in GI ulcers and GERD treatment.
• Risk of hepatotoxicity and significant drug interactions with certain medications.

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