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What Is the Difference between Cimetidine and Ranitidine?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Cimetidine and ranitidine both block histamine 2 receptors in the stomach to limit the production of acid. They both work in the same way and are approved for many of the same conditions, but there are some subtle differences that can be important for patients choosing between them. Ranitidine is stronger and can be prescribed to a wider array of patients, for example. People considering options for medications to manage stomach acid may want to talk about the various medications available with their doctors before choosing one.

Stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), and disorders involving hypersecretion of stomach acid can all be treated with cimetidine and ranitidine. The medication must be taken on a regular basis to be effective, as the levels need to remain stable to control the production of acid in the stomach. If patients miss a dose, they can make it up, unless they are close to the time of the next dose. It may also help to make dietary changes to eliminate acidic foods that might exacerbate stomach irritation.

Drug interactions with other medications differ between cimetidine and ranitidine.
Drug interactions with other medications differ between cimetidine and ranitidine.

An important difference between cimetidine and ranitidine is that cimetidine is more likely to cause adverse drug interactions. If a patient needs to take other medications, such reactions can be a cause for concern, and it may be advisable to go with the drug that is associated with fewer complications. People with disorders related to overproduction of stomach acid could also have other health issues that require management, making it important to balance treatments to avoid conflicts.

Cimetidine and ranitidine can both be used to treat GERD.
Cimetidine and ranitidine can both be used to treat GERD.

Ranitidine is approved for use in children, in contrast with cimetidine, which can be another important difference. In addition, this more potent medication can reduce the risk of recurrence after a stomach ulcer resolves. This added protection may lead a doctor to recommend the medication when a patient requires treatment for ulcers. These differences can impact prescribing decisions when a doctor reviews a patient's case to decide which medication would be suitable.

GERD may cause nausea and vomiting.
GERD may cause nausea and vomiting.

Patients may be able to access cimetidine and ranitidine over the counter, at least in some formulations. Regional laws vary, and the medications are available in a variety of formats around the world. Doctors may recommend drugstore versions first, to allow the patient to try the medication before buying a prescription. If a suitable formulation is not available without a prescription, patients may be able to try samples to determine if the medication will meet their needs.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

turquoise

@fify-- Ranitidine came out just five years after cimetidine and even though they treat the same problem and have a similar composition, ranitidine is a superior drug. It's more effective, for longer and with fewer side effects. The side effects of cimetidine is probably the main reason why this medication is not prescribed for babies and children.

Ranitidine is also a better option for the elderly because cimetidine can inhibit the absorption of vitamins and minerals and cause serious complications in people with kidney and liver disorders.

burcidi

I used both cimetidine and ranitidine and I didn't see much difference between the two. They're basically the same. And since I didn't take very high doses of either, I didn't have any side effects.

fify

Thanks for this information. My six month old son was diagnosed with silent reflux. His doctor said to give him ranitidine. I have cimetidine at home, so I was wondering if that's safe for babies as well. I'm glad I didn't give it to him, I didn't know that it's not approved for children.

Does anyone know what it is about cimetidine that doesn't make it safe for babies and children?

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    • Drug interactions with other medications differ between cimetidine and ranitidine.
      By: JJAVA
      Drug interactions with other medications differ between cimetidine and ranitidine.
    • Cimetidine and ranitidine can both be used to treat GERD.
      By: bilderzwerg
      Cimetidine and ranitidine can both be used to treat GERD.
    • GERD may cause nausea and vomiting.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      GERD may cause nausea and vomiting.
    • Eating acidic foods can exacerbate stomach irritation while taking cimetidine or ranitidine.
      By: Artem Furman
      Eating acidic foods can exacerbate stomach irritation while taking cimetidine or ranitidine.
    • Various medication options should be discussed with a doctor before choosing one.
      By: Katrina Brown
      Various medication options should be discussed with a doctor before choosing one.
    • Cimetidine and ranitidine may be used to treat stomach ulcers.
      By: rob3000
      Cimetidine and ranitidine may be used to treat stomach ulcers.
    • Babies may become fatigued following a dose of ranitidine.
      By: Dalia Drulia
      Babies may become fatigued following a dose of ranitidine.
    • When the lower esophageal muscle doesn't relax properly while eating, sore throat and heartburn may result.
      By: JackF
      When the lower esophageal muscle doesn't relax properly while eating, sore throat and heartburn may result.
    • Ranitidine may be able to reduce the risk of recurrence when taken to treat stomach ulcers.
      By: auremar
      Ranitidine may be able to reduce the risk of recurrence when taken to treat stomach ulcers.