H2 blockers are also known as acid reducers or H2 receptor antagonists. The main purpose of H2 blockers is to reduce the levels of acid in the stomach. For this reason, H2 blockers are best prescribed for people who suffer from too much acid in the stomach, such as with heartburn or acid reflux.

Parietal cells are found along the lining of the stomach and are stimulated to make acid. Histamine2 is one of the chemicals found in the body that signals the stomach to produce acid. H2 blockers work by blocking the histamine2 so that there is less acid in the stomach.

H2 blockers are recommended for people who have heartburn, acid reflux and pepcid ulcers. H2 blockers not only help to block the production of acid, but they also help to make any remaining juices left in the stomach less acidity. For this reason, if any of the acids and stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, it’s less irritating and the esophagus can begin to heal.

There are four types of H2 blockers which are used in the United States; Tagament (cimetidine), Pepcid (famotidine), Axid (nizatidine), and Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride). These medications are available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription strengths.

OTC H2 blockers are less potent and can be taken on a regular basis. When OTC strengths are not working, a doctor may prescribe one of the H2 blockers in a prescription strength. While prescription strength H2 blockers are still considered safe, their higher potencies make it difficult for people to take on a long-term basis.

Instead, a doctor will suggest that a patient uses the prescription strength H2 blockers for a period of 2 weeks, when the symptoms are treated and begin to subside. The medicine will be decreased for a short time or withdrawn completely. The patient can then begin using OTC H2 blockers to maintain symptoms.

In some cases however, symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux persist and a patient will require to be on prescription strength H2 blockers for a longer period of time, usually about 8 to 12 weeks. If a person still experiences strong symptoms after this time, a doctor will then prescribe a stronger medication, such as a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI).

While there are differences in strengths between OTC and prescription H2 blockers, all of the brands of medication are equally effective. Studies show that about 60% of people who suffer from acid reflux symptoms are relieved by using H2 blockers. In addition, 80% of sufferers will experience healing in the lining of their esophagus. Ultimately, a person’s success with taking H2 blockers will be determined by such factors as how severe the heartburn or reflux is and the damage done to the esophagus.

H2 blockers are usually taken in a pill form, both morning and night. This helps to control symptoms throughout the entire day. H2 blockers can also be taken with antacids, which can help to neutralize the remaining acids in the stomach.

H2 blockers are generally safe to take, as long as they are taken properly. There are some mild side effects which can occur, however. These include headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting.

It is also important to talk with a pharmacist or doctor if a patient is on any other medications. H2 blockers can interfere with other medications, resulting in decreased effectiveness or an unwanted side effect.

Fortunately, H2 blockers have been used since the 1960’s and have been heavily studied. Their effectiveness has offered hope to many sufferers of heartburn and acid reflux, and the OTC choices make H2 blockers a safe and cost-effective treatment method.

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