Ranitidine case. From Buscopan antacid to Zantac, here are the potentially cangerogenic drugs. After the direct withdrawal in recent days of 195 drugs with ranitidine produced by the Indian company Saraca Laboratories, due to the presence of a potentially carcinogenic impurity, the Italian Agency for the drug has precautionary disposed the prohibition of the use of over 500 lots of various drugs containing the same active ingredient.



Buscopan antacid is not allowed in 75 mg effervescent tablets, Zantac, Raniben and Ulcex. These are drugs containing the same active ingredient used against heartburn, reflux and ulcers.

Accused is ranitidine. What is it? It is an inhibitor of acid secretion used in the treatment of ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn and other conditions associated with acid hypersecretion and is marketed in Italy both as a prescription medicine and as a self-medication, in tablets , syrups or injectable solutions for intravenous use. However, it is the Ndma (N-nitrosodimethylamine) classified as a substance probably carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Cancer Research of the World Health Organization on the basis of studies conducted on animals. It is present in some foods and in water supplies, but is not expected to cause harm when ingested in low quantities.