$Unique_ID{BRK03087}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{cimetidine}
$Subject{Tagamet SK-Beecham Gastric acid secretion inhibitor decreases
stomach acid cimetidine duodenal gastric ulcers excessive stomach acid
secretion recurrent ulcers gastro-esophageal reflux stomach esophagus
heartburn histamine}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Tagamet 200 mg*0308701.scf
Tagamet 300 mg*0308702.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


cimetidine
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Tagamet (SK-Beecham)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Gastric acid secretion inhibitor (decreases stomach acid)

INGREDIENT

     cimetidine

DOSAGE FORMS

     Tablets (200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg)
     Oral liquid (300 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 2.8% alcohol)

STORAGE

     Cimetidine tablets and oral liquid should be stored at room temperature
in tightly closed, light-resistant containers.  This medication should never
be frozen.  If cimetidine is not properly stored (especially if it is exposed
to light or heat) it may develop a strong, unpleasant odor.

USES

     Cimetidine is used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers.  It is also used
in the long-term treatment of excessive stomach acid secretion and in the
prevention of recurrent ulcers.  It is also used to treat gastro-esophagal
reflux (backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus), which can cause
heartburn.  Cimetidine works by blocking the effects of histamine in the
stomach, which reduces stomach acid secretion.

TREATMENT

     Take cimetidine with, or shortly after, meals and again at bedtime
(unless your doctor directs otherwise).
     The tablets should not be crushed or chewed, because cimetidine has a
bitter taste and an unpleasant odor.
     The oral liquid should be measured carefully with a specially designed
5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     Antacids can block the absorption of cimetidine.  If you are taking
antacids as well as cimetidine, at least one hour should separate doses of the
two medications.
     If you miss a dose of cimetidine, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or muscle pain.  These side
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
confusion, fever, hair loss, enlarged or painful breasts (in both sexes),
hallucinations, impotence, palpitations, rash, sore throat, unusual bleeding
or bruising, weakness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Cimetidine interacts with other types of medications:
     1. It can decrease the elimination, and thus increase the side effects,
of theophylline, aminophylline, oxtriphylline, phenytoin, carbamazepine, beta
blockers, benzodiazepine tranquilizers (such as clorazepate, chlordiazepoxide,
diazepam, flurazepam, halazepam, and prazepam), tricyclic antidepressants,
oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin), lidocaine, verapamil,
quinidine, nifedipine, metronidazole, codeine, and morphine.
     2. The combination of cimetidine and antineoplastic agents (anticancer
drugs) may increase the risk of blood disorders.
     3. The absorption of ketoconazole is decreased by cimetidine; at least
two hours should separate doses of these two drugs.
     4. Cimetidine may decrease the blood levels and effectiveness of digoxin.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to medications, especially to cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, or
ranitidine.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had arthritis,
kidney disease, liver disease, or organic brain syndrome.
     * Cimetidine can decrease the elimination of alcohol from the body, which
can prolong its intoxicating effects.
     * Cimetidine should be taken continuously for as long as your doctor
prescribes.  Stopping therapy early may be a cause of ineffective treatment.
     * Cigarette smoking may block the beneficial effects of therapy with
cimetidine.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Cimetidine appears to
be safe during pregnancy; however, extensive testing has not been conducted.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
cimetidine pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.