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Why must Ranitidine be stopped before an endoscopy?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 33 years old, and I want to ask what and why we need to stop taking Ranitidine before an endoscopy?

Is it because it hides anything or makes a false negative result? I have undergone an endoscopy (first time) and am still taking Ranitidine to control my acid. The doctor told me that my esophagus is not fine because I took Ranitidine.

Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

According to me, it is not compulsory to stop Ranitidine before endoscopy. Sometimes, it may hide the findings of gastritis or an ulcer if taken for a longer time before endoscopy.

I hope this helps you.

Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the response.

I only started taking Ranitidine five days before the endoscopy. I experienced chest discomfort before that. Went to cardio stress test, ECG, X-ray, blood test, and everything came out normal. The doctor gave me Ranitidine as he suspected me of having acid reflux. After five days, I went for an endoscopy procedure (without taking Ranitidine on the day), and the findings were gastritis and positive H.pylori. I am now on Clarithromycin 500 mg, Pantoprazole 40 mg, and Amoxicillin.

Below are my extra questions for you:

1. Are five days of Ranitidine considered a longer time?

2. Does Ranitidine mask or hide cancer on the esophagus and stomach during endoscopy?

3. In my endoscopy report, it said severe fundal and corporal gastritis. What does it mean? I have also attached my endoscopy report for your reference.

Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Here are the answers:

1. Five days of Ranitidine is not considered longer.

2. No, it cannot hide cancer.

3. It is the inflammation in the wall of the fundus and body of the stomach.

I hope this helps you.

Take care.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At February 17, 2019
Reviewed AtDecember 4, 2025

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