Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
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: Tablets: 75 mg; Capsule 150 and 300 mg; Solution: 15 mg/ml
STORAGE: Nizatidine should be stored at room temperature, 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 is 300 mg daily
administered once at bedtime or 150 mg twice daily.
- 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.
- 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).
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 a
reduction in
white blood cells and platelets. Hepatitis also has been reported.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 9/3/2009
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.
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