Ranitidinebased

Ranitidinebased refers to medications containing ranitidine, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist. Ranitidine functions by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It was commonly prescribed to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excessive stomach acid. Ranitidine was available both by prescription and over-the-counter.

In 2019, concerns arose regarding the potential presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen, in ranitidine products. NDMA is a type of nitrosamine that can form over time in ranitidine. Following investigations and reports of unacceptable levels of NDMA, regulatory agencies in various countries, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), requested the withdrawal of ranitidine products from the market. These agencies advised patients to stop taking ranitidine and consult their healthcare providers for alternative treatments. While ranitidinebased medications are no longer widely available, their historical use highlights the importance of ongoing drug safety monitoring and the dynamic nature of pharmaceutical regulation.