Hypersensitivity reaction to ranitidine: description of a case and review of the literature.

Abstract

Ranitidine is an H2-receptor antagonist which is usually well tolerated. Hypersensitivity reactions to ranitidine, as well as other H2 antihistamines, have been rarely described. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman who developed an anaphylactic reaction to ranitidine used as intravenous premedication before anesthesia induction. The patient's history revealed that previous use of oral ranitidine for a peptic ulcer disease did not cause any adverse reaction. Intradermal test with ranitidine at a dilution of 1:100 gave an intense positive reaction. The protective role of H2-receptor antagonists as premedication is still unclear and should be carefully reconsidered on the basis of the available controversial evidence and the possible risk of hypersensitivity reactions.

• Authors: Caterina Foti, Nicoletta Cassano, Rosanna Panebianco, Gian Franco Calogiuri, Gino A Vena
• Journal: Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology (Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol) Vol. 31 Issue 3 Pg. 414-6 ( 2009) ISSN: 1532-2513 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19694603 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Histamine H2 Antagonists
• Receptors, Histamine H2
• Ranitidine

Topics

• Anaphylaxis (chemically induced)
• Anesthesia, Intravenous
• Drug Hypersensitivity
• Female
• Histamine H2 Antagonists (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Peptic Ulcer (drug therapy)
• Ranitidine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Receptors, Histamine H2