Final answer:
Certain acid-reducing medications like proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists need to be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals, for optimal absorption and effectiveness. They are used to treat conditions related to excessive stomach acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some medications need an acidic environment for proper absorption and should be taken 1 hour prior to eating, typically before breakfast. These include certain proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (Prilosec) and H2-receptor antagonists such as ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and cimetidine (Tagamet). These medications work by decreasing the acid produced in the stomach and are beneficial in treating conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
In contrast, the pancreas produces bicarbonate, a natural antacid, which neutralizes stomach acid as food moves into the intestines to create an alkaline environment necessary for nutrient absorption. Antacids like ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and cimetidine (Tagamet) decrease the amount of acid made in the stomach, and are used to treat ulcers and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid. These medications are often taken for symptoms of heartburn.