Cimetidine (By Mouth)
Cimetidine (sye-MET-i-deen)
Treats duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and other disorders of the stomach. Belongs to a class of drugs called histamine H2-blockers.
Brand Name(s):Tagamet HB, Tagamet
There may be other brand names for this medicine. When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cimetidine or other histamine H2-blockers such as Zantac®, Pepcid®, or Axid®. How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet, Liquid
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Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
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If you are taking 1 dose daily, take it at bedtime. If you are taking 2 doses daily, take one dose in the morning and one at bedtime. If you are using several doses daily, take with meals and at bedtime.
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Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
If a dose is missed:
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Use your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
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If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
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You should not use two doses at one time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
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Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
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Keep all medicine away from children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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You should not use antacids within 1 hour before or after taking cimetidine.
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You should not use ketoconazole within 2 hours before or after taking cimetidine.
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Unless approved by your doctor, cimetidine should not be taken with antidepressant drugs, blood thinners (such as Coumadin®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®, Slo-bid®), aminophylline, beta-blocker medicines (Tenormin®, Lopressor®, Inderal®), or phenytoin (Dilantin®).
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Avoid large amounts of coffee or aspirin while using cimetidine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
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If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
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Check with your doctor before using if you have a history of kidney or liver disease.
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Avoid smoking tobacco while you are using cimetidine. Smoking may cause the medicine to not work properly.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Yellowing of skin or eyes
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Unexplained fever, unusual bruising
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Trouble breathing
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Skin rash, burning, or itching
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Diarrhea
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Headache
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Confusion
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Dizziness or drowsiness
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Decreased sexual desire
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Swollen breasts
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
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