H2 Blockers [Tagamet, Zantac, Lansor, Famodine]

These drugs should be used as the doctor directs. They may be taken either on an empty stomach or with milk or water. They are taken as a single dose or in two doses a day. You should take the doses on time and should not stop the drug on your own. This group of drugs can be used not only for short-term treatment but as a long-term form of treatment. Treatment generally lasts six to eight weeks.

What are the side effects?

Side effects can be seen even in drugs sold over the counter. These side effects are seen at quite a low rate.

If rash, itching, unexplained fever, severe headache, enlargement of the breast, impotence, hallucinations or confusion occur, the doctor should be told. Mild headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, cramps and aching in the muscles, tiredness and weakness are complaints of no consequence, and there is no need to telephone the doctor.

Take care

H2 blockers should not be taken at the same time as antacids; they should be taken two hours before or after them. This group of drugs interacts with other drugs: warfarin, propranolol, metronidazole, theophylline, nifedipine, and the chlordiazepoxide and diazepam groups. You should not use these drugs if you are pregnant, if you are thinking of becoming pregnant soon, or if you are breastfeeding.