uses
What is cimetidine used for?Cimetidine is commonly used for the following conditions.Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up into your esophagusUlcers in the stomach or intestinesErosive esophagitis (EE) due to acid refluxOther conditions where your stomach makes too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndromeThese uses may vary, depending on the specific cimetidine product you are taking.Cimetidine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does cimetidine work (mechanism of action)?Cimetidine is in a family of medicines called H2 blockers. It works by blocking certain histamine receptors in the body, which helps reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes.How is cimetidine supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesTagametTagamet HBDosage forms and strengths200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg oral tablets300 mg/5 mL oral solutionHow should I store cimetidine?Cimetidine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and protect it from light.
how to use
liquid or tablet that is swallowed
drug interactions
Does cimetidine interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between cimetidine and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cimetidine. Alcohol may make certain stomach symptoms or conditions worse, so talk with your health care provider before drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.Does cimetidine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking cimetidine.Warfarin, which is a blood thinnerPhenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizuresPropranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to lower blood pressureNifedipine, which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to lower blood pressureChlordiazepoxide (Librium), which is a medicine that may be used for anxiety or other conditionsDiazepam (Valium and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizuresA tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depressionLidocaine, which is a type of anestheticTheophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problemsMetronidazole (Flagyl and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat bacterial and other infectionsKetoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infectionsA proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex)Any other H2 blocker, such as famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac 360) or nizatidine (Axid)Â Cimetidine may affect the absorption of some other medicines, and it may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with cimetidine. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of cimetidine?The most common side effects of cimetidine are listed below. These side effects may vary based on the condition being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.DiarrheaHeadacheDizziness DrowsinessThere may be other side effects of cimetidine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of cimetidine?While less common, the most serious side effects of cimetidine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Cimetidine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking cimetidine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painCentral Nervous System (CNS) Effects. Cimetidine may affect your central nervous system (CNS). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are very ill, over 50 years old, or have kidney or liver problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms of CNS effects.Dizziness or sleepinessConfusion or deliriumFeeling disoriented or agitatedLack of energySeeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinationsChanges in moodSeizures
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much cimetidine?If you or someone else has used too much cimetidine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of cimetidine?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use cimetidine?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take cimetidine.CimetidineTagametTagamet HBAny other medicine known as an H2 blocker (also called an H2 receptor antagonist)Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cimetidine products they stock.You should not take over-the-counter (OTC) cimetidine if you have bloody or black poop, are vomiting blood, or have trouble or pain when swallowing food. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.What should I know about cimetidine before using it?If cimetidine was prescribed to you by a health care provider, take it as prescribed. If you are taking over-the-counter (OTC) cimetidine, read and follow the instructions that come with the product. Do not take OTC cimetidine for more than 14 days without talking to your health care provider. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better or get worse.Do not share cimetidine that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep cimetidine out of the reach of children.If you are taking cimetidine liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a good measuring device.Antacids should not be taken at the same time as cimetidine because they may make cimetidine not work as well. Ask your health care provider about the best way to take an antacid with cimetidine if you need both medicines.People who are 50 and older can be at greater risk of some side effects from cimetidine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.What should I tell my health care provider before using cimetidine?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if cimetidine is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Kidney problemsLiver problemsImmune system problemsHeart problems or chest painBreathing problemsOther stomach problems, including nausea, vomiting, or stomach painHeartburn that has lasted for more than three monthsHeartburn with dizziness, lightheadedness, or sweatingUnexplained weight lossTrouble or pain when swallowing foodVomiting with bloodBloody or black poop Other Medicines and Supplements. Cimetidine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking cimetidine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how cimetidine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. Cimetidine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop cimetidine.
about
Cimetidine is used to treat heartburn, ulcers, and other conditions caused by too much stomach acid. You can get it by prescription and over the counter (OTC). Cimetidine is an H2 blocker that works by blocking certain histamine receptors in the body, which helps reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. Common side effects may include diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, or drowsiness. Before taking cimetidine, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have and all the medicines you take.