Ranitidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist, also known as an H2 blocker. It was commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. It was available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

Uses:

• Treatment and prevention of ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
• Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Why it was withdrawn:

In 2019, several manufacturers and regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), issued recalls and eventually requested the withdrawal of ranitidine products from the market. This was due to the discovery of an impurity called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is a probable human carcinogen. ^[1]

Alternatives:

Other medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole and H2 blockers like famotidine, are now commonly used as alternatives.