Patient/caregiver was instructed upon ranitidine and mechanism of action of ranitidine as follows:
- H2 receptors are found in parietal cells of stomach. Histamine binds to these receptors in parietal cells of stomach and stimulate secretion of gastric acid into the stomach. This acid secreted helps with activation of some enzymes in the stomach, which aids in digestion of food. Also, the highly acidic environment in the stomach prevents growth of microorganisms and helps prevent development of any infection.
- Sometimes, due to excess acid in the stomach, individuals can present with symptoms of heartburn, dyspepsia, damage and erosion of the inner lining of stomach and duodenum leading to ulcer formation. Also, individuals can present with symptoms of reflux esophagitis, when the acid in the stomach due to various reasons washes up into the esophagus and results in symptoms of GERD.
- Ranitidine is a medication belonging to the group of medications called H2 blockers, which block the action of histamine on the H2 receptors. Blocking the action of histamine on H2 receptors help to inhibit or reduce the amount of acid secreted in the stomach.
- This reduced acid secretion helps with relief from symptoms of heartburn, dyspepsia, and GERD. The reduced acid secretion also helps with healing of the eroded inner lining of stomach and duodenum, thereby, contributing to duodenal and gastric ulcer healing and preventing these ulcers from developing.
