If a patient with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease states that he has been self-treating at home with OTC ranitidine daily, the appropriate treatment would be:

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While ranitidine is a histamine receptor antagonist that can be effective in treating GERD symptoms, the patient has been self-treating with it and is still experiencing symptoms. This suggests that a stronger medication may be necessary. The most effective first-line treatment for GERD is a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole, which decreases acid production and allows the esophagus to heal. A prokinetic like metoclopramide may be used in addition to a PPI if the patient has delayed gastric emptying, but it is not the initial recommended treatment. Misoprostol is a cytoprotective medication that may be used in certain cases to prevent ulcers, but it is not typically used as a first-line treatment for GERD.

If a Patient with Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease States