Ranitidine, a substituted aminoalkylfuran compound, selectively and competitively antagonises the histamine effects at H2-receptors in the stomach. There is an inhibition of gastric secretion triggered by histamine, pentagastrin, a test meal, or another stimulus. The drug reduces the amount as well as the concentration of produced gastric acid. Secretion of pepsin is also indirectly reduced. The effect is dose dependent; a nightly dose of 300 mg reduces the nocturnal acid production by approximately 95%.

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