Cimetidine

Cimetidine is an antacid. It reduces the amount of acid produced by your stomach. It is used to treat and prevent heartburn, indigestion and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach. It is also used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers, reflux disease and some other rare conditions. Cimetidine is also commonly prescribed to prevent stomach ulcers and heartburn caused due to the use of painkillers. It must be swallowed whole with water preferably before meals to prevent the symptoms of acidity. The medicine must be taken in dose and duration as advised by the doctor. This medicine should relieve indigestion and heartburn within a few hours. If the symptoms persist or get worse even after 14 days of treatment, you should consult your doctor immediately. It is not recommended to take this medicine in severe stomach disease.

Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach which helps relieve of acid-related indigestion and heartburn.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Acid reflux)
• Peptic ulcer disease (Gastric and duodenal ulcers)
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Pancreatic insufficiency to reduce breakdown of enzyme supplements

Cimetidine competitively inhibits histamine at H2-receptors of the gastric parietal cells resulting in decreased gastric acid secretion, gastric volume and hydrogen ion concentration. It is also used in patients with pancreatic insufficiency to reduce the breakdown of pancreatic enzyme supplements.

Cimetidine competitively inhibits histamine at H2-receptors of the gastric parietal cells, resulting in decreased gastric acid secretion, gastric volume and hydrogen ion concentration.

Adult Dose (IV):

Continuous infusion: 37.5 mg/hr (900 mg/day). A 150 mg IV loading dose may be given in patients requiring rapid elevation of gastric pH.

Renal Dose: CrCl <30 mL/min: 300 mg IV/IO every 12 hours; Prevention of upper GI bleeding: 25 mg/hour continuous IV infusion.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Cimetidine may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Take it preferably before meals to prevent symptoms of acidity.

If you miss a dose of Cimetidine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Skin rash
• Tiredness

• [SAFE] Cimetidine does not usually affect your ability to drive.
• If taking once daily, take it before going to bed (very effective in controlling acid released during sleep).
• If taking with other medications (e.g., antacid), take them 2 hours before or after.
• Avoid soft drinks, citrus fruits (orange, lemon) which can irritate the stomach and increase acid secretion.
• Inform your doctor if symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.
• Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease (dose adjustment may be needed).
• Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor.

• Hypersensitivity
• Lactation

Reduces absorption of dasatinib, ketoconazole, itraconazole and posaconazole. May increase serum levels of phenytoin, theophylline, lidocaine, hydroxyzine and oral anticoagulants. Absorption may be reduced by antacids. Decreased bioavailability with metoclopramide, sucralfate or propantheline. May potentiate the myelosuppressive effects of myelosuppressive drugs (e.g., antimetabolites, alkylating agents) or therapies (e.g., radiation).

[UNSAFE] It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Cimetidine.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cimetidine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies. Pregnancy Category B.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cimetidine is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

Limited information is available regarding use in children. Use as advised by a physician.

Limited information is available regarding dose adjustment for elderly patients.

[CAUTION] Cimetidine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Cimetidine may be needed. Please consult your doctor. CrCl <30 mL/min: 300 mg IV/IO every 12 hours.

[CAUTION] Cimetidine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Cimetidine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Cimetidine overdose symptoms include confusion, seizures, respiratory distress, bradycardia, and ventricular arrhythmias. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light and out of reach of children.

Cimetidine