Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

Question:
I think this is a chemistry question, so here goes: I take a
medication known as Zantac. The basic purpose of this drug as I
understand it is to stop the production of acid in my stomach.
If it stops the acid production, then how does that affect my
stomach's ability to digest food properly. The reason I take this
drug is because I have a medical condition called Esophogeal Reflux, 
which means that there is a muscle or diaphram located between
the stomach and the esophogus and it is supposed to prevent the acid
from travelling upward, which mine does not.
 doug moe

Answer:
This is probably a biology question.  I looked up the drug Zantac which
is Glaxo's trade name for ranitidine (according to The Merck Index),
and it essentially says the same thing you said:  "Histamine H2-receptor
antagonist which inhibits gastric acid secretion."  The Merck also gives
some references relating to the use of it in treating duodenal ulcers.
The articles don't look like they'd be found in your local library, though.
Berstad et al,  _Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology_ 15, 637,1980
Walt et al, _Gut_ 22,49,1981
You may have some luck with this one though:
Hohnjec et al, _Analytical Profiles of Drug Substances_ vol 15, K. Florey,
Ed.  (Academic Press, New York, 1986), pp 533-561.
 jschultz