Effects of ranitidine and oxmetidine on gastrointestinal motility in conscious dog.

Two histamine H2-receptor antagonists ranitidine and oxmetidine were tested for their effects on gastrointestinal motility in conscious fasted dogs chronically fitted with intraparietal electrodes on the antrum, duodenum and jejunum. Intravenous administration of ranitidine (3 mg/kg) stimulated gastrointestinal spiking activity through a cholinergic mechanism and increased the duration of the cycles of migrating myoelectric complexes. Oxmetidine at the same dose did not modify the gastrointestinal motor profile. These results showed clearcut differences in nonspecific effects of two H2-antagonists equipotent on gastric acid secretion.