Page 153 - PENARIKAN PRODUK RANITIDIN YANG TERKONTAMINASI N-NITROSODIMETHYLAMINE (NDMA)

Speaking at the same event, Dr. Prasetyo Widhi Buwono of the Indonesian Medical
Association (IDI) said the temporary suspension was unlikely to affect people who
currently take ranitidine.

"What are the other medications [that can be used to treat peptic and gastric ulcers]?
Ranitidine is classified as a histamine blocker, which stops the secretion of gastric
acid. Other products that can be used as substitutes are famotidine; antacids to
neutralize gastric acid; and sucralfate, which covers the damaged walls of the
stomach, so it makes no contact with gastric acid. Another widely distributed group is
proton-pump inhibitors, such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole, which have a stronger
effect against gastric acid," the medical specialist said.

He added that antacids and proton-pump inhibitors are covered by BPJS Kesehatan,
the national health insurance scheme.

However, he said there were also ways to avoid peptic and gastric ulcers, and
gastroesophageal reflux disease – commonly known as heartburn.

"Reduce or avoid certain foods, such as spicy and oily foods; take enough rest; eat
timely; and one we usually forget: manage stress and anxiety," he said.