Why zantac for allergies

Mast cell activation syndrome is a fancy way of saying the immune system is freaking out and dumping inflammation into the body, sometimes chronically. While mast cells present throughout the body, all body tissues that come in direct contact with the outside world have mast cells and they are concentrated in the skin, gut, nasal passages, lung, urinary tract and other mucus membranes. With MPNs, we suffer with excess histamine due to basophil breakdown a type of white blood cell.

Histamine is one of the inflammatory players released by mast cells, along with heparin and serotonin. They also contain cytokines, interleukin, leukotrienes, prostaglandins and other inflammatory agents. The release of these proinflammatory agents results in the classic allergy symptoms which most of us are familiar with.

However, the principle chemical mediator of mast cells is histamine which can cause tissue swelling, itching, flushing and other noxious skin responses. It is what causes the itching and swelling of the mosquito bite and the itch of healing wounds with the rapid growth of new tissue. But it can also cause systemic responses such as headache, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and can be involved in other GI disease such as gastric ulcer and IBS. The light has been shed on one of the key culprits in the complex universe of MPN symptoms.

The graphic above provides a visual representation summarizing histamine-mediated symptoms. The discussion on itching just scratches the surface, no pun intended!

Be sure to click here for the November update addressing the Zantac recall. After being diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera PV in , I utilized social media to connect with "informed patients" and develop a better understanding of emerging treatment options. My philosophy on patient care is straight forward - "educating the patient is essential, so the patient can guide their physician to meet his or her needs.

Medical Dislaimer. No personal information is required! What Is Essential Thrombocythemia? As a result of this immediate market withdrawal request, ranitidine products will not be available for new or existing prescriptions or OTC use in the U. We make every effort to investigate potential health risks and provide our recommendations to the public based on the best available science.

NDMA is a probable human carcinogen a substance that could cause cancer. These low levels would not be expected to lead to an increase in the risk of cancer. However, sustained higher levels of exposure may increase the risk of cancer in humans. At the time, the agency did not have enough scientific evidence to recommend whether individuals should continue or stop taking ranitidine medicines, and continued its investigation and warned the public in September of the potential risks and to consider alternative OTC and prescription treatments.

New FDA testing and evaluation prompted by information from third-party laboratories confirmed that NDMA levels increase in ranitidine even under normal storage conditions, and NDMA has been found to increase significantly in samples stored at higher temperatures, including temperatures the product may be exposed to during distribution and handling by consumers.

The testing also showed that the older a ranitidine product is, or the longer the length of time since it was manufactured, the greater the level of NDMA.

These conditions may raise the level of NDMA in the ranitidine product above the acceptable daily intake limit. The FDA is also advising consumers taking OTC ranitidine to stop taking any tablets or liquid they currently have, dispose of them properly and not buy more; for those who wish to continue treating their condition, they should consider using other approved OTC products. Patients taking prescription ranitidine should speak with their health care professional about other treatment options before stopping the medicine, as there are multiple drugs approved for the same or similar uses as ranitidine that do not carry the same risks from NDMA.

Read more about the recall here. The original post has been preserved for informational purposes only. Pepcid and Zantac are brand name medications used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers among other digestive conditions.

Both medications work in similar ways to block the action of histamine in the digestive system. As antihistamines, they ultimately reduce the production of acid. Despite their similarities, they also have some differences to review. Pepcid is the brand name for famotidine. It works as an antihistamine to reduce the production of acid and prevent irritation. Pepcid is approved to treat conditions like GERD, stomach ulcers, esophagitis, and other digestive conditions.

It can also treat occasional heartburn. Pepcid comes as a 10 mg, 20mg, and 40 mg oral tablet. The dose used depends on the condition being treated. However, it may be taken more than once per day for up to 6 weeks in some cases. Zantac is also known by its generic name ranitidine. It blocks acid production in the stomach by blocking histamine receptors.

Zantac can be used to treat GERD, stomach ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and other digestive conditions. Zantac is available as an oral tablet in strengths of 75 mg, mg, and mg.