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H2 Blockers

- Summary
- About H2 blockers
- Conditions treated
- Conditions of concern
- Potential side effects
- Drug or other interactions
- Lifestyle considerations
- Symptoms of overdose
- Pregnancy use issues
- Child use issues
- Elderly use issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Vikram Tarugu, M.D., AGA, ACG
David Friedel, M.D., AGA

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Potential side effects of H2 blockers

In most cases, H2 blockers do not cause significant problems for the patients who take them. However, some patients may experience side effects such as the following:

Mild diarrhea
Neutropenia (abnormally low number of white blood cells called neutrophils)
Dizziness
Fatigue
Arrhythmias (heartbeat irregularities)
Gynecomastia (abnormal breast enlargement in males)

The H2 blockers cimetidine and ranitidine may inhibit the effects of liver enzymes. This may prevent the liver from properly metabolizing certain drugs.

Drug or other interactions with H2 blockers

Patients should consult their physician before taking any additional prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements or herbal medications. H2 blockers can slow the time it takes to eliminate certain drugs from the body. Of particular concern to individuals taking H2 blockers are:

Bronchodilators (drugs that expand airways in the lungs) such as aminophylline, oxtriphylline or theophylline
Anticoagulants (drugs that help prevent blood clots)
Antifungal drugs such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
Caffeine
Diazepam (anti-anxiety drug)
Digoxin (heart drug)
Metoprolol and propranolol (beta blockers)
Phenytoin (antiseizure drug)
Tricyclic antidepressants

Previous research indicated that cimetidine increased the risk of prostate cancer in men. However, recent research contradicts this finding.

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Review Date: 01-28-2007

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