Which class of drugs does ranitidine belong to?

Ranitidine is classified as a Histamine H2-receptor antagonist. This class of drugs works by blocking the action of histamine at the H2 receptors in the stomach lining, which in turn reduces the production of stomach acid. This mechanism is particularly effective for treating conditions such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where excessive acid production can lead to discomfort and damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Histamine plays a crucial role in stimulating acid secretion, and by inhibiting its interaction with H2 receptors, ranitidine effectively decreases acid output, providing relief from symptoms related to acid overproduction.

In contrast, proton pump inhibitors are another class of medications that reduce acid secretion, but they do so by inhibiting the proton pump in gastric parietal cells, making them distinct from H2-receptor antagonists. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and offer symptomatic relief without reducing acid production, and antidepressants serve a different purpose entirely, focusing on mental health conditions rather than gastrointestinal issues.