Researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network have found that premature infants receiving a common class of nonprescription drugs (his-tamine H₂ blockers), which are used to treat acid reflux, may have a higher risk for developing a potentially fatal bowel disorder than infants who do not receive the drugs.

H₂ blockers such as famotidine canadian (Pepcid drug, Merck), nizatidine (Axid, Reliant), and GlaxoSmithKline’s cimetidine (Tagamet) and tablet ranitidine (Zantac drug) inhibit the production of stomach acid, but they may also cause necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious intestinal inflammation.

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The Actavis Group has received approval to market generic ranitidine oral solution USP in the 15-mg/mL strength. This product is the generic equivalent of GlaxoSmithKline’s Zantac drug Syrup. Ranitidine is indicated for the treatment and prevention of ulcers and gastroesoph-ageal reflux disease (GERD) and for the treatment of conditions caused by high acid secretion.

Although metoclopramide (Reglan, Schwarz) is often used as an antiemetic and an antimigraine therapy, acute akathisia has been linked to the drug. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University, New York University Medical Center, and Bellevue Hospital Center, however, have found that reducing the infusion rate can eliminate this adverse effect.

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