Background Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common presentation in palliative care and can cause challenging symptoms. It has been suggested that the H2-receptor antagonist ranitidine may have a role in the management of MBO as an antisecretory medication to reduce volume of gastrointestinal secretions.

Methods A questionnaire was sent via email to all UK adult hospices with inpatient units to investigate how ranitidine is currently being used for patients with MBO.

Results 60% (99 of 165) of eligible hospices completed the questionnaire. 76% reported using hyoscine butylbromide most commonly as a first line antisecretory medication for patients with MBO.

84% of hospices reported using ranitidine for selected patients although only 8% reported using it as a first line antisecretory agent. Hospices that use ranitidine are most commonly administering it via continuous subcutaneous infusion for patients with acid related symptoms (88%), combined with other antisecretory medications (80%), as a second or third line antisecretory medication (68%) and for gastrointestinal protection (66%). Reasons cited for not using ranitidine included a lack of perceived need, lack of evidence, non-inclusion in clinical guidelines and issues of practicality.

Responders highlighted the need for an individualised approach to prescribing in MBO with failure of other medications, nature of symptoms and nature of obstruction among factors influencing use of ranitidine.

Multiple hospices reported recently starting to use ranitidine or using it more frequently than they had done previously. An Australian randomised controlled trial that used ranitidine as part of a ‘standard’ treatment regime in MBO was a commonly cited instigator for change.

Conclusions Ranitidine is being used by the majority of UK hospices for selected adults with MBO despite a limited evidence base. Further research should be encouraged to evaluate the effectiveness of ranitidine and to clarify its role for patients with MBO.