Lower GI Bleed & Zantac Infusion

[18G]

Had an IFT the other night that involved a patient having a lower GI bleed. Patient was being transported from a rural medical center to a hospital with an ICU.

Patient had a Zantac infusion running and while I am familiar with Zantac being an H2 receptor blocker and all, I wasn't real sure how it benefited a patient with GI bleeding.

Through some research (wasn't able to find a lot) I have found that the Zantac infusion increases the stomach pH which allows for an environment that enhances clotting and platelet aggregation. Blood clotting and platelet aggregation are pH dependent so by decreasing acid production in the stomach we are able to create a pH (more alkaline) that is more conducive to allowing the body's own mechanisms control/stop the hemorrhage. Is this the primary reason why this type of pt. would be on a Zantac drip?

I wanted to get some input from others who have had experiences with Zantac infusions with GI bleeding patients and share this bit of info for others who may be curious about the same.

 

[CANMAN]

Your thought process is correct. You can find all the info you want here: http://www.globalrph.com/ranitidine_dilution.htm Pretty good sum of info, Zantac infusions are most often seen in the treatment of a duodenal ulcer. I have seen more pt's on Octreotide infusions in the case of a severe GI Bleed and if it is varices then also coupled with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube and cool football helmet

 

[18G]

Thanks for the confirmation and the extra info.