Medicine and Media: The Ranitidine Debate

Clin Transl Sci. 2020 Jul;13(4):649-651. doi: 10.1111/cts.12753. Epub 2020 Feb 27.

Abstract

Ranitidine has been the topic of recent media reports. Current findings, confirmed by the US Food and Drug Administration, indicate that some ranitidine products contain a substance that may be carcinogenic. Providers and patients require additional information on the risks of continuing therapy vs. the benefits of the medication. This article comments on what is currently known about the evolving situation of elevated N-nitrosodimethylamine levels in ranitidine and the limits of the existing information to assess best practices.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogenesis / chemically induced
  • Dimethylnitrosamine / adverse effects*
  • Drug Contamination*
  • Drug Recalls
  • Drug Stability
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Information Dissemination
  • Mass Media*
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Ranitidine / adverse effects*
  • Ranitidine / chemistry
  • Ranitidine / standards
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration / standards

Substances

  • Ranitidine
  • Dimethylnitrosamine