Medications and Drugs

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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