GENERIC NAME: cimetidine
BRAND NAME: Tagamet
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Histamine is a natural chemical that stimulates stomach cells to produce acid. Cimetidine belongs to a class of medications called H2-blockers that inhibit the action of histamine on the stomach cells, thus reducing stomach acid production.
PRESCRIPTION: available with or without a prescription
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg. Liquid: 300 mg per 5 ml teaspoon
STORAGE: Should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cimetidine blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells and reduces stomach acid production. Cimetidine is useful in promoting the healing of active stomach and duodenal ulcers, and in reducing ulcer pain. Cimetidine has been effective in preventing ulcer recurrence when given in low doses for prolonged periods of time. In doses higher than that used in ulcer treatment, cimetidine has been helpful in treating heartburn and in healing ulcer and inflammation of the esophagus resulting from acid reflux (reflux esophagitis).
DOSING: May be taken with or without food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Antacids may decrease the absorption of cimetidine. Cimetidine may interact with warfarin (Coumadin), a commonly used blood thinning agent. Patients taking both medications should have frequent blood monitoring to avoid accumulation of high levels of Coumadin, leading to excessive blood thinning and bleeding. Cimetidine can also change blood levels of other medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin), used in seizure prevention, theophylline , used in asthma , lidocaine, used in treating fast heart rhythms, or metronidazole , used in many infections. Safe use in children has not been established. Cimetidine is not habit forming.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects are rare and generally reversible once the medication is stopped. Minor side effects include constipation , diarrhea , fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Major side effects include confusion and hallucinations (usually in elderly or critically ill patients), and enlargement of the breasts and impotence (usually seen in patients on high doses for prolonged periods). Other rare side effects include irregular heartbeat, impotence, rash, visual changes, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
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