Does Tagamet HB (cimetidine) cause side effects?
Tagamet HB (cimetidine) is an H2 (histamine-2) blocker used to relieve heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach and to prevent heartburn brought on by eating or drinking certain foods and beverages.
Tagamet HB blocks the production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach. Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that stimulates cells in the stomach (parietal cells) to produce acid. H2-blockers inhibit the action of histamine on the cells, thus reducing the production of acid by the stomach.
Since excessive stomach acid can damage the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum by reflux and lead to inflammation and ulceration, reducing stomach acid prevents and allows acid-induced inflammation and ulcers to heal.
Common side effects of Tagamet HB include
Serious side effects of Tagamet HB include
- confusion and hallucinations (usually in elderly or critically ill patients),
- enlargement of the breasts,
- impotence (usually seen in patients on high doses for prolonged periods),
- decreased white blood cell counts,
- irregular heartbeat,
- rash,
- visual changes,
- allergic reactions, and
- hepatitis.
Drug interactions of Tagamet HB include cimetidine and warfarin, because Tagamet HB may increase the blood levels of these drugs by reducing their elimination by the liver.
- Tagamet HB also may increase the blood levels phenytoin, theophylline, lidocaine, amiodarone, metronidazole, loratadine, calcium channel blockers, nifedipine, bupropion, carbamazepine, and fluvastatin.
- Because Tagamet HB reduces stomach acid, it may reduce the absorption of drugs (for example, ketoconazole) that are best absorbed in acidic conditions. Such drugs should be administered at least 2 hours before the administration of Tagamet HB.
There are no adequate studies of Tagamet HB in pregnant women. Tagamet HB is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What are the important side effects of Tagamet HB (cimetidine)?
Side effects due to cimetidine are rare and generally reversible once the medication is stopped. Minor side effects include:
Major side effects include confusion and hallucinations (usually in elderly or critically ill patients), enlargement of the breasts; impotence (usually seen in patients on high doses for prolonged periods); decreased white blood cell counts.
Other side effects include:
Summary
Tagamet HB (cimetidine) is an H2 (histamine-2) blocker used to relieve heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach and to prevent heartburn brought on by eating or drinking certain foods and beverages. Common side effects of Tagamet HB include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. There are no adequate studies of Tagamet HB in pregnant women. Tagamet HB is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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Medications & Supplements
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Professional side effects and drug interactions sections courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.