Cimetidine

Synonyms: Tagamet, Peptol

Cimetidine is a histamine H2 blocker. This drug prevents the release of acid into the stomach.

Indications:

Cimetidine is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn and the prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding. It is also used to treat stress ulcers, viral warts, itching and to prevent aspiration pneumonia during surgery. This medication may be prescribed for other uses, ask the doctor for more information.

How to take:

Cimetidine is taken as directed by the physician. For over-the-counter Cimetidine it is usually taken once or twice a day with a glass of water. Do not take it for more than 2 weeks unless prescribed by the doctor. Call the doctor and stop taking Cimetidine if symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach persist after 2 weeks. If a dose is missed, take one as soon as possible. For more detailed information please see label and please consult specialist. Do not take more Cimetidine than it is indicated at the label without consulting a doctor.

Precautions:

It is best to finish the full course of Cimetidine prescribed by your doctor because it may take several days for the condition to improve. Inform the doctor of the other drugs taken as its interaction might aggravate the condition. Limit smoking and drinking alcohol as these increase irritation in the stomach and can increase the time for the ulcer to heal. Call the doctor if in case the patient has black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like ground coffee, patient may have a bleeding ulcer. Cimetidine is not recommended for children and pregnant women.