Question

Drugs used for peptic ulcer like cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine belong to which category?

• A. Antacids
• B. Proton pump blockers/inhibitors
• C. H2 antagonists/receptor blockers
• D. Prostaglandin (PG) analogues
• E.

Hint:

H2 receptor antagonists reduce stomach acid production and are commonly used in peptic ulcer treatment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Definition of H2 antagonists.
Cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, and nizatidine are classified as H2 receptor antagonists. Their mechanism of action involves blocking histamine receptors within the stomach lining, which consequently lowers stomach acid production.
Step 2: Evaluation of choices.
- (1) Antacids: Incorrect. Antacids function by neutralizing existing stomach acid; they are distinct from H2 antagonists.
- (2) Proton pump blockers/inhibitors: Incorrect. Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, operate by inhibiting the stomach's proton pumps.
- (3) H2 antagonists/receptor blockers: Correct. These pharmaceuticals function by inhibiting histamine receptors in the stomach, thereby reducing gastric acid secretion.
- (4) Prostaglandin (PG) analogues: Incorrect. PG analogues serve to protect the stomach lining but do not directly diminish acid production.
Step 3: Determination.
Consequently, option (3) is the correct answer because these medications are categorized as H2 receptor blockers.