What is omee tab 150 used for? Understanding its Former Uses and Recall

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

In April 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested manufacturers to withdraw all ranitidine drugs, including the active ingredient in Omee tab 150, from the market due to unacceptable levels of a cancer-causing impurity. This article explains what is omee tab 150 used for based on its original purpose, details the reasons for its recall, and outlines modern, safer alternatives available for patients.

Quick Summary

Omee tab 150 was a medication containing ranitidine, used to reduce stomach acid and treat conditions like heartburn, GERD, and peptic ulcers. It was voluntarily withdrawn from the market following an FDA request in 2020 due to potential contamination with a cancer-causing agent. Safer alternative medications are now used to manage these conditions.

Key Points

Former Use of Omee 150: Omee tab 150, containing ranitidine, was used to treat heartburn, acid reflux (GERD), and stomach ulcers by reducing stomach acid production.
FDA Market Withdrawal: In April 2020, the FDA ordered the removal of all ranitidine products from the market due to the potential for N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) contamination, a probable human carcinogen.
Mechanism as an H2 Blocker: Omee 150 functioned as a histamine H2 receptor blocker, interrupting the signal that prompts the stomach to produce acid.
Available Alternatives: Safer alternatives for managing acid-related issues include other H2 blockers (famotidine), proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole), and antacids.
Consult a Doctor: Given the recall, individuals who previously used Omee 150 should consult their healthcare provider to discuss safe and appropriate alternative treatments.
Lifestyle Modifications: Complementing medication with lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and weight management, is recommended for managing symptoms.

What was Omee tab 150? A Look at its Former Purpose

Before its withdrawal from the market, Omee tab 150 was a common medication used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. The active ingredient was ranitidine, a type of drug known as a histamine-2 (H2) receptor blocker. By blocking H2 receptors on the stomach's parietal cells, ranitidine effectively inhibited the normal and meal-stimulated secretion of stomach acid.

This acid-reducing action made Omee tab 150 an effective treatment for various conditions, including:

Heartburn and acid indigestion: Relieving the burning sensation caused by excess stomach acid.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing damage and discomfort.
Peptic ulcer disease: Helping to heal ulcers in the stomach and intestines by reducing acid production.
Other conditions: Including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare disorder that causes the stomach to produce abnormally high levels of acid.

The FDA Market Withdrawal and Cancer Risk

In April 2020, the landscape for ranitidine-containing products, including Omee tab 150, changed dramatically. The FDA requested the immediate withdrawal of all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine products from the market. This was a proactive measure based on ongoing investigations into a contaminant called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen, meaning it could cause cancer. The FDA discovered that the NDMA impurity in some ranitidine products could increase over time and when stored at temperatures higher than room temperature, potentially exposing consumers to unacceptable levels. This posed a significant safety concern for a drug that was widely used by millions of people.

Following the recall, patients were advised to stop taking any ranitidine tablets or liquid they had, dispose of them properly, and not purchase more. For those with conditions like GERD or ulcers, doctors worked with patients to transition to alternative, safer medications.

Safer Alternatives for Managing Acid-Related Conditions

For those who formerly relied on ranitidine, several effective and safe alternatives are available. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for your specific condition.

H2 Blockers

These work similarly to ranitidine by blocking histamine-2 receptors, but without the NDMA contamination risk. The FDA's testing found no NDMA in common H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid) and cimetidine (Tagamet).

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs are generally considered more potent and longer-lasting than H2 blockers and are often preferred for severe or chronic acid-related diseases. They work differently, by blocking the enzymes that produce stomach acid. The FDA's testing has not found NDMA in common PPIs such as:

Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Esomeprazole (Nexium)
Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Pantoprazole (Protonix)

Antacids

For immediate, occasional relief of heartburn, fast-acting antacids can be used. These work by neutralizing stomach acid rather than reducing its production. Examples include Tums and Rolaids.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Non-pharmacological approaches are also a critical component of managing acid reflux and heartburn. These include:

Eating smaller, more frequent meals
Avoiding trigger foods and drinks, such as spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Not lying down immediately after eating
Elevating the head of the bed to reduce nighttime reflux

Comparing Ranitidine (Recalled) to Available Alternatives


Feature	Ranitidine (Omee 150)	Famotidine (Pepcid)	Omeprazole (Prilosec)	Antacids (Tums, Rolaids)
Drug Class	H2 Blocker	H2 Blocker	Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)	Acid Neutralizer
Mechanism	Reduces acid by blocking histamine receptors	Reduces acid by blocking histamine receptors	Blocks the pumps that produce acid	Directly neutralizes existing acid
Effectiveness	Effective for mild to moderate symptoms	Effective for mild to moderate symptoms	Generally more effective for severe/chronic GERD	Best for immediate, occasional relief
Speed of Action	Starts working within a few hours	Works faster than PPIs, within 1-3 hours	Slower onset, may take up to 4 days for full effect	Very fast, within minutes
Duration of Effect	Provides relief for several hours	Typically lasts 10-12 hours	Provides longer-lasting relief, often taken once daily	Short-lived, temporary relief
Availability	Recalled from market (Not available)	Available OTC and by prescription	Available OTC and by prescription	Widely available OTC
Key Concern	Contamination with NDMA (carcinogen)	No known NDMA risk	No known NDMA risk	Not for continuous use; potential mineral interactions

Conclusion

While Omee tab 150 was formerly used to treat and manage a range of acid-related conditions, it is no longer on the market following a 2020 FDA recall due to potential contamination with a cancer-causing agent. For patients who require medication to control their stomach acid, numerous safe and effective alternatives are readily available. These include other H2 blockers, more powerful proton pump inhibitors, and quick-acting antacids. Patients should always consult their doctor or a pharmacist to discuss appropriate and safe alternative treatments for their specific needs, taking into account their overall health history and other medications they may be taking. Furthermore, making lifestyle and dietary adjustments can also provide significant relief and should be considered as part of a comprehensive management plan. The recall of ranitidine serves as an important reminder of the critical role of drug safety surveillance in protecting public health.

Visit the FDA website for more information on the Ranitidine recall

Frequently Asked Questions

Omee tab 150 was recalled because its active ingredient, ranitidine, was found to potentially contain unacceptable levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen. This impurity can increase over time and with higher temperatures.

No, it is not safe to take Omee tab 150. All ranitidine-containing products, including Omee 150, were withdrawn from the market and should not be used. Patients should dispose of any existing product and consult a healthcare professional for alternative options.

The main difference is their drug class and mechanism of action. Omee 150 (ranitidine) was an H2 blocker that reduced stomach acid, while omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that completely blocks the final step of acid production. Omeprazole is generally more potent and provides longer-lasting relief, and it has not been linked to the NDMA contamination risk.

Instead of Omee tab 150, you can use other FDA-approved medications for heartburn. Safer alternatives include other H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid) and proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (Prilosec), which are both available over-the-counter and by prescription. You may also find relief from fast-acting antacids.

Omee tab 150 worked by blocking histamine H2 receptors on the cells in the stomach that produce acid. By doing so, it reduced the amount of acid the stomach makes, which helped to relieve symptoms of acid-related conditions like heartburn and indigestion.

Before the recall, common side effects of Omee tab 150 included headache, gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or constipation, and feelings of drowsiness or tiredness. Most people who took it had mild side effects, if any.

NDMA stands for N-nitrosodimethylamine, a substance classified as a probable human carcinogen. It was a concern in ranitidine products because the FDA found that the impurity could increase over time and when stored at higher temperatures, potentially exposing consumers to unacceptable levels of the contaminant.