More Research Needed Over Ranitidine Row, says Doctors

Patients could opt for Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) for temporary relief from acidity, suggests new study. The move came from the information that Ranitidine contains carcinogens.

Physicians say more research is needed to prove the carcinogenic effects of anti-acidity medication Ranitidine, after the Drugs Controller of India ordered an investigation into the drug.

This fact is neither proven nor announced by the Union Health Ministry. Patients could go for Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) for temporary relief from gastric acid disorders, doctors said.

‘Patients with gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux and acidity could opt for alternative drugs like proton pump inhibitors. More research is required to attribute the blame to ranitidine as the one containing carcinogens.’
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"It has recently been brought to light that ranitidine could be having a cancer causing impurity N-Nitrosodimethylanine (NDMA). The patients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, commonly known as acid reflux or acidity, can also be treated with PPI in the place of ranitidine," says Zeenat Ahmed, Senior Consultant, the Department of Internal Medicine at Jaypee Hospital in Noida.

Some drug regulators in other countries have found it to contain a chemical compound that can cause cancer. "People should not consume these medicines without prescription or doctor's consultation," Ahmed stressed.

On Tuesday, Drugs Controller V.G. Somani issued a directive alerting states about ranitidine and telling them to ask drug manufacturers to take measures for the patient safety.

Acidity - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Complications
Acidity and dyspepsia is excessive acid production in the stomach causing heartburn and acid reflux. Excess HCL acid in stomach can be due to stress and spicy foods.

Niranjan Naik, Director, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurugram, said ranitidine was one of the oldest drugs used for acid peptic disease.

"The present controversy is due an impurity NDMA associated with some brands. It needs further research to attribute the blame to ranitidine, one of the most economical options available for treatment of acid peptic diseases," Naik said.

According to Manisha Arora, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Delhi, at present it's difficult to name an alternative to this over-the-counter (OTC) drug.

Source-IANS