How Does Nizatidine Work?
Nizatidine is an "
H2 blocker" that works by blocking a specific kind of histamine receptor. Histamine is a chemical released by the body that has several effects. In the stomach, histamine causes more acid to be produced.
By blocking histamine in the stomach, nizatidine reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. This is why it is known as an "acid reducer."
There have been several studies looking at how well nizatidine treats ulcers and
GERD.
Ulcers
In one study of nizatidine for duodenal ulcers (upper intestinal ulcers), ulcers were healed in 68 percent of people who took the medication after four weeks of treatment. Only 29 percent of people who were not taking it had their duodenal ulcer heal within four weeks.
After eight weeks, as many as 82 percent of people taking nizatidine experienced ulcer healing, compared to just 49 percent of those not taking it. Studies have also shown that nizatidine can prevent duodenal ulcers from returning.
In a study looking at nizatidine for gastric ulcer (stomach ulcer) treatment, 70 percent of people taking the drug experienced stomach ulcer healing within eight weeks. Ulcers healed in 52 percent of people who were not on nizatidine.
GERD and Esophagitis
Studies have also looked at using nizatidine for treating
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In these studies, people taking it had greater relief of their GERD symptoms (including
heartburn symptoms) compared to people not taking the medication. In these studies, the medicine also helped to heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD.
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