Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: CIMETIDINE - ORAL (sye-MET-uh-deen)
BRAND NAME(S): Tagamet
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Cimetidine blocks secretion of acid from the stomach. Prescription cimetidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers, to treat gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and to treat conditions associated with excessive acid secretion (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome). Nonprescription cimetidine is used to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used treat skin rashes caused by allergic conditions.
HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth. Take this as directed. Do not increase your dose, take this more often than prescribed or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor. If you are taking antacids in addition to this medication, stagger the doses so they are not taken at the same time. Try to space dosing of this medication and antacids by at least 2 hours.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, sleepiness, dry skin or dry mouth may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Hair loss, increased sweating, anxiety, change in sex drive, breast enlargement in males and change in taste perceptions may also occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: skin rash, hives, irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, mental confusion, depression, difficulty walking vision changes, trouble urinating, joint or muscle pain, ringing in the ears or breathing difficulty, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, black tarry stools, coffee ground-appearing vomit (may suggest internal bleeding). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Esophageal pH Monitoring - Esophageal pH monitoring is a procedure for measuring the reflux (regurgitation or backwash) of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The Esophageal pH test is used to diagnose GERD.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn) - Learn about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acid reflux, heartburn) symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention information is also included.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Digestion RSS