The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a study that found N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in samples of ranitidine, a drug used to treat peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
NDMA is from the class of compounds known as Nitrosamines and is a well documented environmental contaminant found in water and foods.
The research found that all samples of ranitidine tested positive for traces of NDMA, with several products exceeding the ‘acceptable levels’ of the substance.
The availability of ranitidine medicines in New Zealand is extremely limited, and healthcare professionals are encouraged to consider other therapeutic alternatives.
