Histamine H-2 Antagonists

• Cimetidine
• Famotidine
• Nizatidine
• Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate
• Ranitidine Hydrochloride

Nutrients Depleted

Calcium³
Osteoporosis (bone loss) is the primary symptom associated with chronic calcium deficiency. Depleted levels can also cause muscle cramps, numbness and tingling, joint pain, brittle nails, and tooth decay.^6,9,10

Iron¹
Deficiency of this nutrient causes anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia may be associated with pale coloring, fatigue, apathy, lethargy, and even difficulty breathing. Mild deficiency may cause constipation and nail changes, including brittle nails and nail ridges.^6,7,8,10

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)¹
Deficiency is associated with anemia, neurologic symptoms like tingling (pins and needles) or diminished sensory perception, sore tongue, weakness, irritability, confusion, impaired memory, and personality changes.^6,7,10

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)²
Effects of deficiency include increased incidence of certain birth defects. Prolonged deficiency leads to anemia and possibly heart disease.^6,7,8

Vitamin D⁴
Deficiency leads to abnormalities in the formation of bone tissue, resulting in conditions such as rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (in adults). Vitamin D deficiency interferes with calcium absorption, leading to deficiency of that nutrient with all of the associated symptoms (such as bone loss, muscle cramps, brittle nails, and tooth decay). Because this nutrient is fat-soluble, prolonged periods of deficiency are required to produce these symptoms.^6,7,9,10

Zinc⁵
Signs and symptoms of deficiency include loss of appetite, fatigue, growth retardation, skin and nail changes, diminished libido, impotence, increased susceptibility to infection, poor wound healing, and loss of sense of smell.^6,7,10

Editorial Note

The selected depletions information presented here identifies some of the nutrients that may be depleted by certain medications. The signs and symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency may also indicate conditions other than nutrient deficiency. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, it does not necessarily mean that you are nutrient deficient. Nutrient depletion depends upon a number of factors, including your medical history, diet, and lifestyle as well as the length of time you have been taking the medication. Please consult your healthcare provider; he or she can best assess and address your individual healthcare needs, and determine if you are at risk for nutrient depletions from these medications as well as others not listed here.