Ranitidine-induced junctional rhythm in a pediatric patient: A rare and potentially harmful side effect

Abstract
In this day and age, ranitidine is still a commonly prescribed medication, especially in the emergency department.[1] It is an H2-receptor antagonist that is commonly used for the treatment of gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers,[2] as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease in neonates.[3] There are a wide range of side effects attributed to H2 blockers such as ranitidine and cimetidine, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, rash, pruritus, delirium, and gynecomastia. Rare and potentially harmful side effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, bradycardia, and hypotension have been reported and must be considered when prescribing ranitidine and other H2 blockers.[1],[4],[5] Here, we would like to report an event that happened in our practice, regarding these cardiovascular side effects of ranitidine.