Tagamet

Generic name: Cimetidine

What is Tagamet?

Tagamet is used to treat certain kinds of stomach and intestinal ulcers and related conditions. These related conditions include active duodenal (upper intestinal) ulcers; active benign stomach ulcers; erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (backflow of acid stomach contents); excess acid conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a form of peptic ulcer with too much acid); and prevention of upper abdominal bleeding in those you are critically ill.

Tagamet is also used for maintenance therapy of duodenal ulcer after active ulcers are healed.

Tagamet HB is an over-the-counter version of the drug used to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.

What is the most important information I should know about Tagamet?

Short-term treatment with Tagamet can result in complete healing of a duodenal ulcer. However, the ulcer can recur after Tagamet has been stopped. The rate of ulcer recurrence may be slightly higher in people healed with Tagamet rather than other forms of therapy. However, Tagamet is usually prescribed for more severe cases.

Who should not take Tagamet?

Do not use Tagamet if you are allergic to the active ingredient, cimetidine, or any other ingredient in it.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Tagamet?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Tagamet. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Active Benign Gastric Ulcer

Adults: The usual dose is 800 milligrams (mg) once a day at bedtime or 300 mg taken 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime.

Active Duodenal Ulcer

Adults: The usual dose is 800 mg once daily at bedtime. Other effective doses include: 300 mg 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime; 400 mg 2 times a day, in the morning and at bedtime; Most people heal in 4 weeks. If you require maintenance therapy, the usual dose is 400 mg at bedtime.

Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Adults: The usual dosage is a total of 1600 mg daily divided into doses of 800 mg taken 2 times a day or 400 mg taken 4 times a day for 12 weeks.

Pathological Hypersecretory Condition

Adults: The usual dose is 300 mg taken 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your needs, but you should take no more than 2400 mg per day.

If you have kidney disease your doctor may adjust the dose.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 16 years of age. However, your doctor may decide that the potential benefits of use may outweigh the potential risks. Doses of 20-40 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight have been used.

How should I take Tagamet?

You can take Tagamet with or between meals. Do not take antacids within 1-2 hours of taking a dose of Tagamet. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine while taking Tagamet.

It may take several days for Tagamet to begin relieving stomach pain. Be sure to continue taking the drug exactly as prescribed even if it seems to have no effect.

If you need to take an antifungal drug such as ketoconazole, you should take it at least 2 hours before you take Tagamet.

What should I avoid while taking Tagamet?

Avoid taking antacids at the same time as Tagamet. Antacids can reduce the effect of Tagamet when taken at the same time.

Ulcers may be more difficult to heal if you smoke cigarettes.

Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine while taking Tagamet.

Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Tagamet. This drug increases the effects of alcohol.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Tagamet?

If Tagamet is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tagamet with the following: antidiabetes drugs, antifungal drugs, aspirin, amoxicillin. antiarrhythmics, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, blood pressure drugs, chlorpromazine, cisapride, cyclosporine, digoxin, metoclopramide, metronidazole, narcotic pain relievers, nicotine, paroxetine, phenytoin, quinine, sucralfate, theophylline, warfarin

What are the possible side effects of Tagamet?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: breast development in men, headache, diarrhea, dizziness

Less commonly, agitation, anxiety, confusion, depression, disorientation, and hallucinations may occur in severely ill individuals who have been treated for 1 month or longer. These reactions are not permanent and have cleared up within 3 to 4 days of stopping the drug.

Can I receive Tagamet if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Tagamet during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Tagamet appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until treatment with this drug is finished.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Tagamet?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Tagamet?

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.