nizatidine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

An antihistamine called nizatidine prevents stomach acid from being released. Acid reflux symptoms such as stomach pain, heartburn,  and discomfort are treated by it. Acid reflux is the term for the condition that occurs when stomach acid runs backward into your mouth from your esophagus. 

Spectrum: 

Nizatidine is used to treat disorders where the stomach produces too much acid, as well as to treat ulcers and stop them from coming back. Additionally, nizatidine is utilized to cure or prevent sour stomach, acid reflux, and sporadic heartburn. It lessens the stomach’s production of acid. It is possible to purchase nizatidine with or without a prescription. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined: 

>10%: 

Headache 

1%-10% 

Anxiety 

Dizziness 

Drowsiness 

Insomnia 

Irritability 

Nervousness 

Skin rash 

Fever 

Cough 

Nasal congestion 

Diarrhea 

Constipation 

Flatulence 

Vomiting  

Pruritis 

Skin rash 

<1%: 

Anaphylaxis 

Anemia 

Bronchospasm 

Confusion 

Eosinophilia 

Dermatitis  

Jaundice  

Vasculitis  

Ventricular tachycardia  

Black Box Warning

Don’t consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes. These can prolong the time it takes for your ulcer to heal and aggravate your stomach. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• Chest pain (Frequent) 
• Pain when swallowing food 
• Wheezing 
• Nausea 
• Tarry or bloody stools 
• Blood vomiting 
• Stomach pain 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Heart burn (>3 months) with dizziness, lightheadedness, or sweating 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: based on animal studies, it shows no harm in animal reproduction studies. 

Lactation: 0.1% of nizatidine can be excreted in breast milk. Avoid use during lactation and risk of exposure to the infants. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

• Category B: There is no evidence of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 

• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant women 

• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women. 

• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Nizatidine is primarily prescribed for addressing disorders linked to heightened stomach acid production. Its pharmacological action centers around its role as an H2-receptor antagonist, specifically targeting histamine H2-receptors found on gastric parietal cells. Through competitive blockade of these receptors, nizatidine impedes the binding of histamine, a natural stimulant, leading to a reduction in the secretion of gastric acid. 

This mode of action renders nizatidine effective in managing conditions such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), peptic ulcers, and situations where excess stomach acid induces discomfort. Nizatidine contributes to maintaining stomach acid balance, relieving symptoms, and facilitating the healing of disorders associated with heightened acidity. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Nizatidine, functioning as an H2-receptor antagonist, exerts its pharmacodynamic impact through the selective inhibition of histamine H2-receptors situated on gastric parietal cells. Operating as a competitive antagonist, nizatidine disrupts the binding of histamine, a natural stimulant, to these receptors. This interference prevents the activation of downstream signaling pathways that would normally stimulate the synthesis and release of gastric acid. Consequently, the blockade of H2 receptors results in a diminished secretion of gastric acid. This specific pharmacological mechanism positions nizatidine as highly effective in addressing conditions characterized by excessive stomach acid production, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The oral bioavailability is 48-50% and IM is 90-100% 

The time to achieve peak effect is 2-3 hours (oral) and less than 15 minutes (IM) 

Distribution 

Protein-bound is 15% 

The volume of distribution is 0.8-1.5 L/kg 

Metabolism 

Hepatic metabolism 

Elimination and Excretion 

The half-life is 2.5-3.0 hours(oral) and 2.0-2.5 hours (IV) 

The drug is excreted less than 6% in feces and 30% (oral) and 70% (IV) in urine.

Adminstartion

Nizatidine is available as an oral tablet and capsule. Typically, it is taken twice a day, with or without food, or once at nighttime. Pay close attention to the instructions on the packaging or the label of your medication, and ask your chemist or doctor to clarify any parts you are unsure about. Take nizatidine precisely as advised. Never take less or more of it, or take it more frequently than your doctor has instructed. 

When taking nizatidine, if you experience heartburn, acid reflux, or a sour stomach that lasts longer than two weeks, stop taking it and give your doctor a call. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: Nizatidine 

Pronounced: nee-za-ti-dine 

Why do we use nizatidine? 

Nizatidine is an H2 receptor blocker analog. It is used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and peptic ulcers.