Different effects of the H2-antagonists on gastric emptying in the rat.

H2-receptor antagonists, in doses capable of inhibiting gastric secretion, did not generally affect gastric emptying. Exceptions were burimamide, which delayed the emptying rate, and ranitidine, which accelerated it. At higher doses burimamide, metiamide cimetidine and oxmetidine delayed gastric emptying, but ranitidine accelerated it to a greater extent. Tiotidine remained ineffective. These data suggest that changes in emptying rate are independent of the H2-receptor blockade.