South Dakota Medication Aide Practice Test

Cimetidine (Tagamet) and famotidine (Pepcid) belong to the class of drugs known as H2-receptor antagonists. This classification is based on their mechanism of action, which primarily involves blocking histamine H2 receptors in the stomach lining. This action reduces the amount of gastric acid produced by the stomach, helping alleviate conditions such as ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

H2-receptor antagonists are commonly prescribed to manage conditions related to excessive stomach acid due to their ability to lower acid secretion without affecting the overall pH in the same way that other classes of medications, like proton pump inhibitors, would. Knowledge of these medications is crucial for medication aides as it allows them to understand the medications they may be managing for patients and the specific health issues those medications address.

In contrast to this category, proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the proton pump directly, which is the final step in the production of gastric acid. Antacids, on the other hand, neutralize existing stomach acid rather than inhibiting its production. Antidiarrheals are completely different and are used to treat diarrhea symptoms. Understanding the distinctions among these classes is vital for safe medication management and patient safety.