Home Drug Guide Betazole Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Betazole Hydrochloride

Brand Names Histalog

Classification

Therapeutic: Gastric acid secretion stimulant

Pharmacological: Histamine H2 receptor agonist

FDA Approved Indications

  • Diagnostic testing of gastric acid secretion
  • Treatment of atrophic gastritis

Mechanism of Action

Betazole stimulates gastric acid secretion by directly activating histamine H2 receptors on parietal cells in the stomach, leading to increased gastric acid production.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically, 25-50 mg administered intravenously or intramuscularly; dosage may vary based on clinical indication.

Pediatric: Use is limited; consult specific guidelines or specialist.

Geriatric: Adjust dose based on hepatic function and response.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose accordingly; monitor for increased sensitivity.

Hepatic Impairment: Dose adjustment may be necessary; use with caution.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid upon intramuscular or intravenous injection.

Distribution: Distributed throughout body tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 20-25 minutes.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to Betazole or other H2 receptor agonists.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or those with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Nausea (Occasional)
  • Headache (Common)
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort (Rare)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Anaphylactic reactions (Very rare)
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation in sensitive individuals (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Caution when combined with other medications affecting gastric acid or histamine pathways.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor gastric acidity levels if used diagnostically; observe for adverse reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for allergic reaction
  • Impaired gastrointestinal perfusion

Implementation: Administer as prescribed; monitor vital signs and for allergic reactions.

Evaluation: Assess effectiveness in stimulating gastric acid secretion or symptom relief.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Report any allergic reactions such as rash or difficulty breathing.
  • Follow proper administration instructions if used at home.
  • Inform healthcare providers of all medications.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None at this time.

Genetic Factors: None established.

Lab Test Interference: May affect tests related to gastric acid secretion.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Excessive gastric acid production, gastrointestinal discomfort, hypotension.

Treatment: Discontinue drug, provide supportive care, treat symptoms as needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.