H2 receptor antagonists.

The uses of the histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2 antagonists) in the management of peptic ulcer disease and the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are reviewed. Drugs included in the discussion are burimamide, metiamide and cimetidine. The secretion and the pharmacology of the H2 antagonists are described. A discussion of the clinical use of the H2 receptor antagonists in the treatment of gastric hyperacidity and hypersecretory states, and the side effects encountered is presented. Cimetidine is effective in the treatment of duodenal ulcer, and its use appears promising in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastric ulceration.