**Core Concept**
The difference between ranitidine and cimetidine lies in their pharmacological properties, specifically their potency and mechanism of action as histamine H2 receptor antagonists. These drugs are used to reduce gastric acid secretion in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Ranitidine is indeed 5 times more potent than cimetidine due to its higher affinity for the histamine H2 receptor. This increased potency results from the structural modifications made to the imidazole ring of cimetidine, which led to the development of ranitidine. Ranitidine's higher potency is also attributed to its faster onset of action and longer duration of action compared to cimetidine. The increased potency of ranitidine allows for more effective reduction of gastric acid secretion with lower doses, reducing the risk of side effects.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because ranitidine is actually more potent than cimetidine, not the other way around.
**Option C:** Cimetidine has androgenic activity due to its ability to bind to androgen receptors, not ranitidine. This property is a significant side effect of cimetidine, which can lead to gynecomastia and other androgen-related issues.
**Option D:** Ranitidine does not have a more marked effect on hepatic metabolism compared to cimetidine. Both drugs are primarily metabolized by the liver, but there is no significant difference in their impact on hepatic metabolism.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that ranitidine is the preferred choice over cimetidine in patients with peptic ulcer disease due to its higher potency and reduced risk of androgenic side effects.

**✓ Correct Answer: A. Ranitidine is 5 times more potent than cimetidine.**