A Look at the Use of Ranitidine for Allergies

Ranitidine, under its more commonly used brand names, including Zantac, has been used in the treatment of allergies for some time. It is an antihistamine, but not of the same sort usually prescribed for the treatment of common allergies. Ranitidine is what’s known as a type 2 antihistamine, with separate properties from the type 1 histamine blockers which are more typically used to fight allergy symptoms.

Ranitidine is, in fact, usually prescribed or bought over the counter for the treatment of GERD, or acid reflux disease. However, studies have shown that some of the same properties it brings to bear in the fight against reflux can also be used as a supplement to treat allergies. Sometimes, people complain that the typical OTC allergy remedies don’t quite relieve them of all of their symptoms. In such a case, ranitidine can be a nice addition to the treatment regiment, and may serve to fully eliminate the allergy symptoms.

Those wishing to add ranitidine into their medications should first consult with a physician to ensure the use of the drug will not interfere with any of your doctor’s other medicines. There may also be an increased risk of some of the more common side effects found in antihistamines, such as drowsiness.