H2 antagonist
H2 antagonist
H2 antagonists, also known as H2 blockers, are a class of medications that are used to block the action of histamine at the histamine H2 receptors of the parietal cells in the stomach. This decreases the production of stomach acid.
Pronunciation
H2 antagonist: /eɪtʃ tuː ænˈtæɡənɪst/
Etymology
The term "H2 antagonist" originates from the classification of histamine receptors. "H2" refers to the second subtype of histamine receptors, which are primarily found in the stomach lining. The term "antagonist" refers to the drug's function of blocking or inhibiting the normal function of these receptors.
Related Terms
- Histamine: A compound that is released by cells in response to injury and in allergic and inflammatory reactions, causing contraction of smooth muscle and dilation of capillaries.
- Parietal cells: Cells in the stomach lining that produce and secrete hydrochloric acid.
- Stomach acid: The hydrochloric acid present in the gastric juices secreted by the stomach's parietal cells.
- Gastric acid: Another term for stomach acid.
- Histamine H2-receptor antagonists: The full name for H2 antagonists.
Usage
H2 antagonists are primarily used to treat conditions that cause excess stomach acid, such as peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. They can also be used to prevent stomach ulcers in people taking NSAIDs.
Examples
Examples of H2 antagonists include cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, and nizatidine.
See Also
- Proton pump inhibitor: Another class of drugs used to decrease stomach acid production.
- Antacid: Over-the-counter medications that neutralize stomach acid.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on H2 antagonist
- Wikipedia's article - H2 antagonist
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