Side Effects:

Common Fatigue, Drowsiness, Headache, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Muscle pain.

Expert advice for H2Loc Tablet
H2loc is a well tolerated and safe medicine with a very low incidence of side effects. Take H2loc before going to bed if you are taking this medicine once a day as it is very effective in controlling stomach acid released in the midnight. If you are also taking an antacid, take it two hours before or after taking H2loc. Avoid taking soft drinks, citrus fruits like orange and lemon, which can irritate the stomach and increase acid secretion. Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after taking H2loc for two weeks or 14 days as you may be suffering from some other problems. Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney or liver disease. Dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is H2loc an over the counter (OTC) drug?
No, H2loc is not an over-the-counter product. It is a prescription medicine and is available only when prescribed by a physician.

Q. Can I take H2loc with azithromycin?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with azithromycin. H2loc may be given to lower the acid secretion caused by gastritis or stomach irritation caused by azithromycin. No drug-drug interactions or any additional harmful effects have been seen when they are used together compared to when they are used alone.

Q. Can the use of H2loc cause constipation?
Yes, the use of H2loc can cause constipation. It is one of the common side effect seen with H2loc. Taking high fiber diet and plenty of fluids can help in relieving constipation and can also help in decreasing acidity.

Q. Can I take H2loc with prednisone?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with prednisone. No drug-drug interactions or any change in side effect profile have been when these are used together compared to when each drug is used alone.

Q. Can I take H2loc with metoprolol?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with metoprolol. No drug-drug interactions or any change in side effect profile have been reported compared to when they are used alone.

Q. Is H2loc an antacid?
No, H2loc is not an antacid. It belongs to the class of H2 blockers (antihistamines) which decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach while antacids only neutralize the stomach acid by coating the stomach.

Q. Can I take H2loc for the treatment of allergies or hives (urticaria)?
H2loc can help in decreasing the redness of the allergies or hives (urticaria) when used along with antihistaminics like cetirizine by narrowing the blood vessels. However, this is not an approved use of H2loc and should be used only when advised by a doctor.

Q. Does H2loc expire?
Yes, H2loc does expire. Please check the expiry date written on the pack and it refers to the last day of that month. Do not use H2loc after the expiry date.

Q. Can I take H2loc with tramadol?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with the tramadol. H2loc may be given to lower the acid secretion caused by gastritis or stomach irritation caused by tramadol. No drug-drug interactions or any change in side effect profile has been reported compared to when they are used alone.

Q. Is H2loc an antihistaminic drug?
Yes, H2loc is an antihistaminic drug. It acts on histamine receptors in the stomach and blocks the action of a chemical messenger histamine (causes acid secretion in stomach) and hence decreases the acid production in the stomach.

Q. Is H2loc safe?
Yes, H2loc is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by the doctor. However, there are some very common side effects that you can experience at the doses advised like nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence.

Q. Can I take H2loc with doxycycline?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with doxycycline. H2loc may be given to lower the acid secretion caused by gastritis or stomach irritation caused by doxycycline. No drug-drug interactions or any change in side effect profile has been reported compared to when they are used alone.

Q. Does H2loc interfere with H. pylori test results?
A significant number of patients infected with Helicobacter pylori can have negative test results if they are using H2loc as it interferes with the urea breath test, which is done to identify H. Pylori infection.

Q. Can I take H2loc with Rabeprazole?
Yes, H2loc and Rabeprazole can be taken together. As Rabeprazole show its effect after some days, H2loc can be taken along with for immediate relief. No drug-drug interactions or change in side effect profile has been reported when they are used together compared to either drug alone.

Q. Can I take H2loc with sertraline?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with sertraline. No drug-drug interactions or any change in side effect profile has been reported compared to the effect of the individual drug when used alone.

Q. Does H2loc cause glaucoma?
H2loc itself does not cause glaucoma. However, there are some rare reports that H2loc can increase the intraocular pressure in patients who have glaucoma. Inform your doctor in case you have glaucoma or high intraocular pressure before taking this medicine.

Q. Can I take H2loc with steroids?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with steroids. No drug-drug interactions or any change in side effect profile has been reported compared to the effect of the individual drug when used alone.

Q. Can I take H2loc with famotidine?
Both H2loc and famotidine lower gastric acid secretion by blocking the H2 (histamine) receptor in the stomach. It is not advisable to take them together as they have a similar action and use and when used together, there could be an increased risk of side effects.

Q. Can H2loc be used to treat gastritis?
Yes, H2loc can be used for the short-term treatment of gastritis. It helps by decreasing the amount of acid released into the stomach and relieving stomach pain and acid reflux.

Q. Can I take H2loc with vitamin B?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with vitamin B. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between this medicine and vitamin B.

Q. Can a patient of hepatitis B take H2loc?
Caution should be exercised when H2loc is given to patients with a liver disease like hepatitis B as it is metabolized in the liver. H2loc can be taken by a patient of hepatitis B if it is really essential and advised by a doctor. Very rare reports of hepatitis with or without jaundice have been documented in patients taking H2loc.

Q. Why H2loc is given along with vitamin B12?
Long term use of H2loc can cause vitamin B12 deficiency as it decreases the acid secretion in the stomach which is required for the absorption of Vitamin B12. To prevent this deficiency, vitamin B12 may be advised by your doctor along with this medicine.

Q. Can I take H2loc with vitamin C?
Yes, you can take H2loc with vitamin C. No drug-drug interactions or change in side effect profile has been reported when they are used together compared to either drug alone.

Q. Can a patient with hepatitis C take H2loc?
Yes, a patient of hepatitis C can take H2loc, however, this should be taken under medical supervision. H2loc belongs to the group of drugs called H2 blockers which have been seen to increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy in hepatitis C patients. So, this group of medicines should be used with caution in patients with underlying liver disease.

Q. Can H2loc be used with vitamin D?
Yes, vitamin D can be taken with H2loc. It is generally advised to be taken as a supplement as the long-term use of H2loc decreases the absorption of calcium and cause calcium deficiency leading to osteoporosis (thinning of bones) and increasing the risk of bone fractures like hip, wrist and spine fractures.

Q. Can the use of H2loc cause gastroparesis (partial paralysis of the stomach)?
No, the use of H2loc is not known to cause gastroparesis (partial paralysis of the stomach), however in case you experience signs and symptoms of gastroparesis like persistent nausea, vomiting (especially of undigested food) and abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness after eating even small amount of food, consult your doctor as it may be due to some condition that needs attention.

Q. Can the use of H2loc make you feel high?
No, H2loc does not make you feel high. However, use of H2loc can cause mental confusion, irritability, depression, though very rarely. These undesirable side effects occur usually in elderly or severely ill or kidney disease patients.

Q. Can the use of H2loc cause high blood pressure?
H2loc is not reported to cause high blood pressure. In case you experience high blood pressure,inform your doctor as it may need attention. Common side effects seen with H2loc include nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.

Q. Can I use H2loc for treating warts?
No, H2loc is not used for treating warts as it is not approved for this disease condition. However, some research studies have shown that H2loc can improve the effect of medicines used for the treatment of this condition. Warts are a viral condition in which the patient has small, rough, and hard growths like raised bumps on the skin. Avoid self-medication and talk to a doctor for the right treatment of warts as it may bleed or get infected or spread to other body parts if not treated properly.

Q. Can I use H2loc for stomach pain?
Stomach pain can be due to many reasons and H2loc can help in this condition if the stomach pain is due to an underlying acid-peptic disorder.

Q. Can the use of H2loc cause headache?
Headache is reported as one of the common side effects of H2loc. Inform your doctor in case you experience headache for a prolonged duration while taking H2loc.

Q. Why does H2loc cause pneumonia?
Patients using H2loc are two times more prone to develop pneumonia (infection of the lung) than the normal patients. H2loc by means of its acid suppressing ability may allow growth of bacteria in the gut which can move to the respiratory tract (lungs) following breathing. So inform your doctor if you have or a history of lung disease as your dosage may need to be adjusted.

Q. What is the role of H2loc in critically ill patients?
H2loc may be used in critically ill patients to decrease stomach acid secretion and lower the risk of acid aspiration into the lungs. It also helps in decreasing stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients.

Q. What foods should be avoided when you are taking H2loc?
You should preferably avoid foods that cause acidity and heartburn as they would aggravate your disease condition, for example: fried foods, prepared in butter or oil, fat rich foods, tomato-based foods and juices, caffeinated drinks like cola, tea, drinks from citrus fruits like lemon water or orange juice and alcohol-containing drinks.

Q. Can H2loc be used for reflux esophagitis?
Yes, H2loc is effective in the treatment of reflux esophagitis. It is a disease in which stomach acid or bile irritates and inflames the lining of the food pipe. H2loc decreases the production of acid in the stomach and this can help to heal the inflamed and eroded esophagus. The efficacy is better when it is given in combination with a prokinetic agent like domperidone.

Q. Can I take H2loc with paracetamol?
Yes, you can take H2loc with paracetamol. H2loc is used to prevent paracetamol (painkillers) induced gastritis and stomach ulcers by decreasing the production of acid in the stomach. There are no clinically significant drug-drug interactions or harmful effects seen when they are used together.

Q. Why is H2loc given with cancer drugs?
H2loc may be used for multiple reasons in cancer patients. It can lower stomach acid volume in patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent aspiration and lower the risk of stomach ulceration and bleeding. According to some studies, H2loc can potentiate white blood cell against cancer cells and can be helpful in the treatment of cancer.

Q. Does H2loc treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
H2loc is not routinely used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is given if there is associated dyspepsia or increased stomach acid secretion. IBS is managed with a combination of antispasmodics (to relieve stomach pain), laxatives (to relieve constipation), and anti motility drugs (to relieve diarrhea).

Q. Is H2loc used to treat nausea?
H2loc is used for the treatment of acidity, heartburn, intestinal ulcers and stomach ulcers and can help in providing relief in nausea that may happen due to acid reflux. It is not used to treat nausea due to any other cause. Rather, nausea is one of the most common side effects of H2loc.

Q. What is the benefit of taking H2loc with pantoprazole?
Both H2loc and pantoprazole lower gastric acid secretion, however, they work by different mechanisms. If you have been advised to take pantoprazole, you can also take H2loc initially for rapid relief of heartburn and acid reflux as pantoprazole may take a few days to show its effect and provide relief.

Q. Can I take H2loc with pain killers?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with painkillers. H2loc can help to prevent painkillers induced gastritis and stomach ulcers by decreasing the production of acid in the stomach. Moreover, there are no clinically significant interactions of H2loc with painkillers.

Q. What are the serious side effects associated with the use of H2loc?
Some serious side effects associated with the use of H2loc are bone marrow hypoplasia (decreased formation of blood cell components), anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reactions) sinus bradycardia (lowering of heart rate) and acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Q. Why does H2loc cause diarrhea?
Use of H2loc lowers the natural stomach acid which normally helps to kill bacteria. So, use of H2loc leads to overgrowth of the harmful bacteria like clostridium difficile which can cause diarrhea. This is known as clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD). Inform your doctor if you have loose stools many times in a day and for many days with stomach cramps and fever.

Q. Is H2loc effective?
H2loc would be effective only if used for the right indication in the dose and for the duration as advised by the doctor. In case you do not find any change in your disease condition while taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.

Q. Is H2loc useful in the prevention of painkiller (NSAID) induced gastric ulcers?
Yes, H2loc is useful for the prevention of painkiller (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug - NSAID) induced gastric ulcers. These may cause dull pain in the stomach, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or bloating. Avoid stress and spicy foods as they can make your symptoms worse.

Q. Can I smoke while taking H2loc?
It is better to avoid cigarette smoking when you are taking H2loc. As studies have shown that the effectiveness of H2loc is lower in smokers compared to non-smokers. Moreover, smoking may add to gastric problems leading to more production of gastric acid.

Q. Does H2loc increase uric acid levels and cause gout-like symptoms?
H2loc can increase blood uric acid levels and cause gout-like symptoms like pain, redness, and inflammation of joints and cause difficulty in movement of joints. Regular monitoring of uric acid levels may be advised if you are taking this medicine for a long term.

Q. Can I take H2loc with warfarin?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with warfarin. However, they should be used with caution as there could be an increase in warfarin levels which can increase the risk of bleeding from your gums, nose, skin (unusual bruising), or gut (dark stools). Stop taking the medicine and inform your doctor if you have any of these signs or symptoms.

Q. Can I take H2loc with gabapentin?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with gabapentin. There are no reported drug interactions or harmful effects when they are used together.

Q. Can I take H2loc with cetirizine?
Yes, H2loc can be taken with cetirizine. There are no reported drug interactions or harmful effects when they are used together.

Q. Is H2loc a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)?
No, H2loc is not a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as it has no known inhibitory effect on proton pumps in the stomach.

Q. Can the use of H2loc cause iron deficiency?
Yes, use of H2loc can cause iron deficiency and a decrease in hemoglobin levels as it decreases the acidic environment of the stomach needed for the absorption of iron. However, there are no recommendations on the regular monitoring of iron levels or taking iron supplements when the patient is taking H2loc but you can maintain good dietary nutrition so that no deficiency occurs.

Q. Is there any known role of H2loc before surgery?
H2loc is given as a part of pre-anesthetic medication before surgery to decrease the stomach acid secretion so that stomach acid is not aspirated into the lungs during surgery as this may complicate or delay the procedure.

Q. Does H2loc cause flatulence (gas or bloating)?
Flatulence (gas) has been reported as a common side effect of H2loc. Although it would be mild to moderate in nature and it goes away once you stop taking H2loc.