|  Ranitidine
(Zantac) is used to block acid production in the stomach, for indigestion,
acid reflux. heartburn, ulcer treatment and treatment of Zollinger-Ellison
syndrome. Ranitidine works by blocking histamine H2 receptors in the gut
(similar to Cimetidine).
Side effects from Ranitidine are unusual but can include loose bowels,
dizziness or rashes which usually do not last.
Other examples of drugs in the same group include Famotidine (Pepcid),
Nizatidine (Axid) and Cimetidine (Tagamet).
There has been recent research suggesting that Cimetidine can increase
survival in some people with colorectal cancer (bowel cancer) if Cimetidine
is used for five days before surgery - 800mg Cimetidine twice daily. Cimetidine
does stimulate the immune system and this may be part of the explanation.
(Cancer Journal 85:1658-63, 1999).
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