Indications
Roxatidine is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, reflux of stomach acid into the food pipe (GERD, reflux oesophagitis), and conditions with too much stomach acid. It can also be used to reduce stomach acid before anaesthesia.
How It Works
Roxatidine is an H2-receptor antagonist. It blocks histamine H2 receptors on the acid-producing cells of the stomach, so less acid is made. This relieves heartburn and gives ulcers and an inflamed food pipe time to heal.
Dosage and Administration
For adults with ulcers or reflux, the usual dose is 75 mg twice daily (morning and at bedtime) or 150 mg once daily at bedtime, usually for 4 to 8 weeks, or as prescribed. A lower dose may be used to prevent ulcers coming back. Swallow capsules or tablets whole with water, with or without food. People with kidney problems need a lower dose.
Interactions
By lowering stomach acid, Roxatidine can reduce absorption of medicines that need acid, such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and some iron products. Unlike Cimetidine, it has little effect on liver enzymes, so it causes few other interactions.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Roxatidine or other H2-receptor antagonists.
Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon and usually mild: headache, dizziness, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, rash or itching. Rarely, liver enzyme changes, low blood counts or confusion (mainly in the elderly) occur.
Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, yellow skin or eyes, or unusual bleeding or bruising.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if a doctor considers it necessary. It may pass into breast milk, so avoid during breastfeeding unless the doctor advises otherwise.
Precautions and Warnings
Before treating an ulcer, the doctor should rule out stomach cancer, as acid reducers can hide its symptoms. See a doctor if you have weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting or black stools. Reduce dose in kidney disease and use with care in liver disease.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely to be serious. Contact a doctor if a large amount has been taken; treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
H2-receptor antagonist (anti-ulcer, acid reducer).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.