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Ranitidine suppresses aluminium absorption in man
R S Rodger1, G S Muralikrishna, D J Halls
1Renal Unit, Stobhill General Hospital, Glasgow, U.K.
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Ranitidine increases gastric pH, significantly reducing aluminum absorption and excretion. This suggests that decreasing stomach acid with ranitidine may lower the toxicity of oral aluminum compounds.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Aluminum compounds are used as phosphate binders.
- Altered gastric pH can affect drug and mineral absorption.
- Patients with end-stage renal disease may have altered aluminum metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ranitidine on intragastric pH.
- To determine the impact of ranitidine-induced pH changes on aluminum absorption.
- To assess aluminum absorption in healthy subjects and patients with renal failure.
Main Methods:
- Single-blind administration of ranitidine or placebo.
- Intragastric pH monitoring.
- Measurement of plasma aluminum concentrations and urinary aluminum excretion after an oral aluminum hydroxide load.
Main Results:
- Ranitidine significantly increased intragastric pH compared to placebo.
- Urinary aluminum excretion was significantly reduced after aluminum hydroxide administration during the ranitidine phase.
- Plasma aluminum concentrations were higher in renal failure patients but unchanged post-load.
Conclusions:
- Gastric pH is a key factor in modulating aluminum absorption in humans.
- Reducing gastric acid secretion with ranitidine can decrease the absorption of orally administered aluminum.
- Ranitidine may mitigate the toxicity of aluminum compounds.