Cimetidine

Description

Cimetidine is in a class of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists. Cimetidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

 

 

Manufacturer:		Average Delivery Time: 12 Days
Sold Under Brand Name: Tagamet		Exp. Date: Approx. March 2009

	Quantity	Strength	Price (USD)	Our Guarantees
	60 Tab(s)	400mg	$25.30
	90 Tab(s)	400mg	$31.90
	120 Tab(s)	400mg	$37.40

Cimetidine (generic Tagamet) Review

Why is Tagamet prescribed?

Tagamet is prescribed for the treatment of certain kinds of stomach and intestinal ulcers and related conditions. These include: active duodenal (upper intestinal) ulcers; active benign stomach ulcers; erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (backflow of acid stomach contents); prevention of upper abdominal bleeding in those who are critically ill; and excess-acid conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a form of peptic ulcer with too much acid). It is also used for maintenance therapy of duodenal ulcer following the healing of active ulcers. Tagamet is known as a histamine blocker.

Some doctors also use Tagamet to treat acne and to prevent stress-induced ulcers. It may also be used to treat chronic hives, herpesvirus infections (including shingles), abnormal hair growth in women, and overactivity of the parathyroid gland.

Tagamet HB is an over-the-counter version of the drug used to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.

Overdosage

Information concerning overdosage is limited. However, respiratory failure, an increased heartbeat, exaggerated side effect symptoms or reactions such as unresponsiveness may be signs of Tagamet overdose. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Tagamet during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Tagamet appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until treatment with this drug is finished.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Tagamet.

• More common side effects may include:
  Breast development in men, headache

Less common side effects--agitation, disorientation, depression, confusion, anxiety, and hallucinations--may appear in severely ill individuals who have been treated for 1 month or longer. However, these reactions are not permanent and have cleared up within 3 to 4 days of discontinuation of the drug.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Tagamet

If Tagamet is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either can be increased, or altered. It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Tagamet with the following:

Antidiabetic drugs such as Micronase and Glucotrol
Antifungal drugs such as Diflucan and Nizoral
Aspirin
Augmentin
Benzodiazepine tranquilizers such as Valium and Librium
Beta-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Inderal and Lopressor
Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Cardizem, Nicorette)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Pentoxifylline (Trental)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinine
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, and Procan
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Narcotic pain relievers such as Demerol and Morphine
Nicotine (Nicoderm, Quinidex, Tonocard, such as Cordarone, and Procardia
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Cisapride (Propulsid)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Medications for irregular heartbeat, Calan, others)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Tagamet. This medication increases the effects of alcohol.

Do not give Tagamet HB to children under 12 years unless your doctor tells you to.

Heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach

The usual dosage is 2 tablets, taken with water, once or up to twice a day. Do not take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Recommended dosage

TAGAMET (ADULTS)

Active Duodenal Ulcer

The usual dose is 800 milligrams once daily at bedtime. However, other doses shown to be effective are:

Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The usual dosage is a total of 1,600 milligrams daily divided into doses of 800 milligrams twice a day or 400 milligrams 4 times a day for 12 weeks. The beneficial use of Tagamet beyond 12 weeks has not been firmly established.

TAGAMET (CHILDREN)

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 16 years old. However, your doctor may decide that the potential benefits of Tagamet use outweigh the potential risks. Doses of 20 to 40 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight have been used.

Most people heal in 4 weeks.

If you require maintenance therapy, the usual dose is 400 milligrams at bedtime.

Pathological Hypersecretory Condition

The usual dosage is 300 milligrams 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dosage based on your needs, but you should take no more than 2,400 milligrams per day.

300 milligrams 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime

Active Benign Gastric Ulcer

The usual dose is 800 milligrams once a day at bedtime or 300 milligrams taken 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime.

400 milligrams twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime