Common uses
Cimetidine is used to treat ulcers; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus); and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Over-the-counter cimetidine is used to prevent and treat symptoms of heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. Cimetidine is in a class of medications called H2 blockers. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Before using
Taking cimetidine may make you more susceptible to virus that causes pneumonia. You may be more likely to develop pneumonia if you have certain health problems.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
• diabetes;
• asthma or a chronic lung disorder;
• a weak immune system;
• bone marrow suppression;
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.
If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use cimetidine or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Cimetidine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cimetidine passes into breast milk, and may be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take cimetidine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 16 years old unless your doctor has told you to.
Directions
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not use the medication for longer than recommended.
Cimetidine is usually taken with meals or at bedtime.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
To be sure you get the correct dose of the oral solution (liquid), measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not stop taking cimetidine without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.
Your ulcer may take longer to heal if you smoke cigarettes.
Store cimetidine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Cautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heartburn combined with lightheadedness or sweating or dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain especially with shortness of breath, pain spreading to arms or neck or shoulders, unexplained weight loss, liver or kidney problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), any allergies (including drug allergies). Do not change your dose without your doctor's approval. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Possible side effects
Cimeditine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• headache
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• breast enlargement
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
• confusion
• excitement
• depression
• nervousness
• seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
Cimetidine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you take too much
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a cimetidine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, extreme weakness, or fainting.
Additional information
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not use the medication for longer than recommended.
Avoid taking antacids unless your doctor recommends them for heartburn pain. Follow your doctor's advice about the type of antacid to use and when to use it. You may not be able to take the antacid at the same time you take your dose of cimetidine.
Drug interactions
Cimetidine may increase the blood levels of several drugs by reducing their elimination by the liver. This interaction may occur between cimetidine and warfarin (Coumadin), a commonly used blood thinning agent. Patients taking both medications should have frequent blood monitoring to avoid accumulation of high levels of warfarin leading to excessive blood thinning and bleeding. Cimetidine also may increase the blood levels phenytoin, theophylline, lidocaine, amiodarone, metronidazole, loratadine, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, felodipine, nifedipine), bupropion, carbamazepine and fluvastatin. Because cimetidine reduces stomach acid, it may reduce the absorption of drugs (e.g., ketoconazole) that are best absorbed in acidic conditions. Such drugs should be administered at least 2 hours before the administration of cimetidine.
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