EFFECT OF RANITIDINE ON INTRINSIC-FACTOR SECRETION AND COBALAMIN ABSORPTION

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 7  (4) , 381-384
Abstract
The effects of ranitidine, a new potent histamine H2-receptor antagonist, on gastric intrinsic factor (IF) secretion and protein-bound cobalamin absorption were evaluated in 6 patients with duodenal ulcer, before, during and after discontinuation of ranitidine therapy. Oral ranitidine (150 mg twice a day) resulted in a nonsignificant decrease of IF concentration and IF output, but was responsible for malabsorption of protein-bound cobalamin. This malabsorption was reversible upon discontinuation of ranitidine. Occurrence of cobalamin deficiency cannot be excluded during long-term ranitidine treatment and the need for careful follow-up in these patients is emphasized.