I don’t know anything about medications really, but this thought crossed my mind today: I’ve had cholinergic urticaria since I was 14 (I am 27 now), and I recently experienced anaphylactic shock and was rushed into the ER after I took a medication called ranitidine (for stomach issues).
While I was reading about it today, I found that ranitidine is an “H2 histamine receptor antagonist that works by blocking histamine and thus decreasing the amount of acid released by cells of the stomach” (per Wikipedia).
So my questions is this: Have any of you developed the same reaction to this kind of medication? Could there be a connection between ranitidine and cholinergic urticaria?
Thanks,
Ahmed
Hivesguy says
I’ve taken ranitidine in the past without any problems. Some doctors will actually prescribe H1 and H2 antihistamines together for various urticaria disorders. Sorry to hear about the reaction, and I hope you feel better. I’d certainly talk to your doctor about alternatives.
Ahmed says
Thank you 🙂 I will talk to a doctor about it asap 🙂
Anonymous says
My derm prescribed that drug plus Zyrtec. I broke out in a rash from ranitidine so stopped taking it
Anna says
I guess that you may be sensitive to medications in general. That’s a severe reaction to a drug that is now available over the counter. Scary! I would ask your doctor if they can monitor you in the clinic anytime you start a new medication. You may have to ask an Allergist, if they would monitor you some how.
Laura Ehrlich says
I have idiopathic urticaria (for 15 years). I’ve taken Ranitidine without any problems. One thing I can contribute: during the worst of this disease, I went through a six month or so period where I seemed to be allergic to every medication, you might just be going through a rough patch. Good luck!