Cimetidine Description

Generic Name: CIMETIDINE

Pronunciation: (sye met' i deen)

Trade Name(s): Cimitidine, Cimitiget, Cimitin, Lock-2, Tymidin, Ulciban, Tagamet

Why it is prescribed: Cimetidine decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is used to treat and prevent the recurrence of ulcers and to treat other conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid.

When it is to be taken: Cimetidine is usually taken once a day, at bedtime. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.It may take up to eight weeks for ulcers to heal.

How it should be taken: Cimetidine comes in the form of tablets and oral liquid. Your prescription label gives specific instructions regarding the dose and dosage formulations. Your doctor may instruct you to take antacids while you are using cimetidine, but do not take antacids within one hour of taking cimetidine.

Special Instruction:
1. Your doctor will want to check your response to this medication.
2. If you forget to take a dose, omit the missed dose completely. Take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Side Effects: Diarrhea, muscle pain, headache, dizziness, skin rash, breast enlargement, drowsiness and mental confusion. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions:
1. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should inform their doctors before taking cimetidine.
2. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants such as warfarin; phenytoin, theophylline, and medication for high blood pressure or depression, before you take cimetidine.
3. If you have kidney or liver disease or are receiving chemothrapy or radiation treatments for cancer, tell your doctor before taking cimetidine.
4. If you have ulcers, do not smoke cigarettes. Smoking apparently inhibits ulcer healing.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in a tightly closed container it came in and out of the reach of children.