nizatidine, Axid, Axid AR

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Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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GENERIC NAME: nizatidine

BRAND NAME: Axid, Axid AR

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nizatidine is an oral drug that blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells and reduces their production of acid. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid). Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that stimulates stomach cells to produce acid. H2-blockers inhibit the action of histamine on stomach cells, thus reducing the production of acid by the stomach. Since excessive stomach acid can cause or worsen stomach and duodenal ulcers, reducing stomach acid prevents ulcer formation and helps ulcers to heal. The FDA approved nizatidine in April 1988.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes, 150 mg, 300 mg and solution: no, 75 mg

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS:

• Prescription tablets: 75 mg;
• Prescription capsule: 150 and 300 mg;
• Prescription solution: 15 mg/ml.
• Nonprescription tablets; 75 mg.

STORAGE: Nizatidine should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 30 C (59 and 86 F) in a tightly closed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Nizatidine is used for treating active duodenal and gastric ulcers as well as preventing the recurrence of duodenal ulcers. It also is used for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

DOSING:

• Treatment of ulcers: The usual adult dose for treatment of ulcers (duodenal or gastric) is 300 mg daily administered once at bedtime or 150 mg twice daily. Most duodenal ulcers heal after 4 weeks of treatment.
• Preventing ulcer recurrence and GERD: A dose of 150 mg at bedtime is used for preventing ulcer recurrence, and GERD is treated with 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily.
• Heartburn prevention: The recommended dose for prevention of heartburn is 75 mg administered 30-60 minutes before meals or beverages.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Nizatidine, like other drugs that reduce stomach acid, may interfere with the absorption of drugs that require acid for adequate absorption. Examples include iron salts (for example iron sulphate), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric), atazanavir (Reyataz), dasatinib (Sprycel), indinavir (Crixivan), and dapsone. Conversely, it may increase levels of nimodipine (Nimotop) and nisoldipine (Sular) due to reduced stomach acidity.

PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Available evidence suggests that there is little risk when used during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Nizatidine is secreted into human breast milk and may pose a potential risk to the infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, depression and agitation. Serious but rare side effects include anemia, and a reduction in white blood cells or platelets. Hepatitis also has been reported.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.