Cimetidine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
• It can be used to prevent ulcers in people who have a history of ulcers.
• It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• It is also used to treat hypersecretory conditions (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).

How does it work?

• Cimetidine decreases stomach acid. It allows healing to occur in the area of the ulcer.
• It also prevents damage and symptoms caused by stomach acid.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Stop tube feeding, flush tube, and give liquid medicine. Flush tube well and start tube feeding again.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. Medicines may not mix well with other medicines. Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can cause increases in stomach irritation.
• Avoid or limit smoking.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake.
• Avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing products, ibuprofen or like products, other blood thinners (warfarin, ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E if you have an ulcer. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling tired or sleepy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
• Diarrhea.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow diet plan as recommended by healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Blood in the stool and toilet bowl or vomiting blood.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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