What is Cimetidine?
Cimetidine, a stomach acid-reducing drug, is used to prevent and treat certain types of ulcers. Cimetidine can also be used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acids back up into the oesophagus, causing heartburn. Cimetidine (nonprescription, over-the-counter) is used for heartburn, a sour stomach, or acid indigestion. It can also be used to prevent conditions caused by certain foods or beverages. Cimetidine can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cimetidine
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat), or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore neck, or burning in your eye, or skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash that is spreading and blistering, or skin rash with blisters or peeling), seek emergency medical attention.
Cimetidine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pain when swallowing
- Bloody or tarry stools; a cough that produces bloody mucus; or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Anxiety, changes in mood
- Confusion, hallucinations,
- Breast swelling or tenderness
The likelihood of serious side effects is higher in older adults with illnesses or disabilities. Cimetidine can cause a variety of side effects.
- Headache
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for reporting these events to the FDA call them on 800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Please read and heed all instructions listed on your medication's package or label before taking. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.
Before you take this drug
Heartburn may mimic the early symptoms of a heart attack. If you experience chest pain that extends to your shoulder or jaw and you are feeling anxious or lightheaded, you should seek emergency medical attention. If you have an allergy to cimetidine or any other stomach acid-reducing medication (such as ranitidine, famotidine, Zantac Axid, and others), then do not take cimetidine.
If you suffer from:
- Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
- Frequent chest pain;
- Heartburn and wheezing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Heartburn that lasts more than 3 months
- Liver or kidney disease
Pregnant women must consult their healthcare provider prior to taking this medication. Cimetidine should not be taken while breastfeeding. Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.
How to take cimetidine medication?
Follow the instructions on the label or those prescribed by your doctor. Cimetidine can be taken at mealtime or before bedtime. Cimetidine can help prevent heartburn caused by foods or drinks. Take it 30 minutes prior to eating or drinking. Take this medication with a glass of water. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). The healing of an ulcer can take as long as 8 weeks. Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the prescribed time. If you smoke, it may take a longer time for your ulcer to heal. If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, call your doctor. Cimetidine over-the-counter should not be taken for more than 14 days unless your doctor has prescribed it. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Cimetidine can interfere with the absorption of certain medications. Cimetidine may make certain medications you take orally less absorbable. Use only the antacids and stomach acid reducers that your doctor has prescribed.
Interaction with other drug
Before using cimetidine in conjunction with other medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Ketoconazole;
- Phenytoin;
- Theophylline;
- Antidepressants;
- A blood thinner—Warfarin, Coumadin, and Jantoven
- Heart or blood pressure medicine—nifedipine, propranolol,
- A sedative—chlordiazepoxide, diazepam.
This list isn't complete. Many other drugs can affect cimetidine or make it less effective if taken together. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
