ranitidine (discontinued)

Ranitidine was a medication used to reduce stomach acid, helping treat conditions like acid reflux, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It works by blocking a specific receptor in the stomach lining, decreasing acid production. Ranitidine was widely prescribed for years but was discontinued in many markets because studies found it could contain traces of a contaminant called NDMA, which is a potential cancer risk. Although effective, safety concerns led to its withdrawal, and alternative medications such as omeprazole and famotidine are now commonly used to manage similar conditions.