Does Zantac work in situ at the stomach pumps or systematically?

Answer 1

Zantac does it's "anti-acid" work in the stomach.

As another has said, it's an H2 blocker.

Benadryl (diphnehydramine), a common allergy med, is an H1 blocker.

So.. Zantac does have a MILD antihistamine effect systemically.

We often add an H2 blocker to the regimen of pretreatment to help prevent contrast dye allergy.

Answer 2

Ranitidine (Zantac) is an H2 (histamine 2) receptor antagonist. It passes through the stomach after oral ingestion and it is absorbed through the small intestine. The drug then passes through the circulation of the body to the gastric lumen (lining of the stomach). Ranitidine has no influence on the production of stomach acid by the gastric parietal cells. The major and most easily demonstrated action of ranitidine as stated above is that it blocks the action of gastric acid at the H2 receptor. At a dose of 300 mg daily per day ranitidine has been demonstrated to heal gastric and duodental ulcers. Ranitidine may not however heal erosive esophagitis and it will not prevent recurrence of NSAID (nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug) induced ulceration for those who must continue NSAIDs. Ranitidine likely has additional properties besides H2 blockade but these have not been well defined although theories include inproving gastric defense mechanisms. This would include circulation, production of prostaglandin E2 which is protective, and bicarbonante production. Although H2 antagonists were a tremendous breakthrough, although they are available over the counter, although they are virtually devoid of side effects (other than cimetidine), and although they are available as a generic when H K ATPase proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole) became available the H2 antagonists were largely abandoned.

Answer 3

it targets the histamine receptors in the stomach (H2) receptors, and blocks them, which decreases gastric acid secretion. So it reduces the pain of ulcers and reflux. It doesnt work systematically though.

I hope that answers ur question.