Cimetidine is prescribed for the treatment of certain kinds of stomach and intestinal ulcers and related conditions. These include: active duodenal ulcers; active benign stomach ulcers; erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease; prevention of upper abdominal bleeding in those who are critically ill; and excess-acid conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also used for maintenance therapy of duodenal ulcer following the healing of active ulcers. Cimetidine is known as a histamine blocker.
Some doctors also use Cimetidine to treat acne and to prevent stress-induced ulcers. It may also be used to treat chronic hives, herpesvirus infections, abnormal hair growth in women, and overactivity of the parathyroid gland.
Cimetidine HB is an over-the-counter version of the drug used to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
Short-term treatment with Cimetidine can result in complete healing of a duodenal ulcer. However, there can be a recurrence of the ulcer after Cimetidine has been discontinued. The rate of ulcer recurrence may be slightly higher in people healed with Cimetidine rather than other forms of therapy. However, Cimetidine is usually prescribed for more severe cases.
You can take Cimetidine with or between meals. Do not take antacids within 1 to 2 hours of a dose of Cimetidine. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine while taking Cimetidine.
It may take several days for Cimetidine to begin relieving stomach pain. Be sure to continue taking the drug exactly as prescribed even if it seems to have no effect.
Do not take the maximum daily dose of Cimetidine HB for more than 2 weeks continuously without consulting your doctor.
Dyspamet suspension contains the active ingredient cimetidine, which is a type of drug called an H2-receptor antagonist. Cimetidine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug. Cimetidine acts in the stomach to decrease the production of stomach acid.
Cimetidine works by blocking H2 receptors that are found on the cells in the stomach lining. A natural body chemical called histamine normally binds to these receptors, causing the cells to produce stomach acid. By blocking the H2 receptors, cimetidine prevents histamine from binding to them. This stops the cells from producing stomach acid.
Stomach acid is produced in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive process. Normally the linings of the stomach and duodenum are protected by a layer that resists acid attack. However, if this layer is damaged, or large amounts of stomach acid are formed, an ulcer can develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. This is called a peptic ulcer.
Acid produced in the stomach can also sometimes flow back into the food pipe. This is called gastro-oesophageal reflux, and can cause pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. It can also irritate and damage the lining of the oesophagus, causing a condition called reflux oesophagitis.
By reducing the production of stomach acid cimetidine can be used to treat all these and other conditions. It stops excess acid flowing back into the foodpipe and can be used to relieve heartburn symptoms associated with acid reflux. It also allows the oesophagus to heal in reflux oesophagitis.
By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum cimetidine also allows peptic ulcers to heal, and prevents them from recurring. It also relieves the symptoms of indigestion caused by excess stomach acid.
Cimetidine can be used to prevent and treat peptic ulcers that can occur as a side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac. In addition it can relieve side effects such as indigestion that can be associated with these drugs.
Cimetidine is also used to depress stomach acid production in various other conditions. It is used in varying doses and for varying lengths of time depending on the condition being treated.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- abnormal enlargement of breasts in men;
- acute pancreatitis;
- blood disorders;
- confusion;
- depression;
- diarrhoea;
- dizziness;
- excessive secretion of stomach acid due to a tumour or enlargement of the pancreas;
- gastro oesophageal reflux disease;
- headache;
- liver disorders;
- pain in the muscles or joints;
- peptic ulcers;
- persistant indigestion symptoms related to excess stomach acid;
- preventing bleeding from stress ulceration in the gut in people who are critically ill in intensive care;
- preventing malabsorption and fluid loss in short bowel syndrome;
- preventing the breakdown of pancreatic enzyme supplements given in the treatment of conditions such as cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis;
- prevention treatment and relief of symptoms of peptic ulcers or indigestion associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- rash;
- tiredness;
- headache;
- breast development in men;
TAGAMET for ADULTS
Active Duodenal Ulcer
The usual dose is 800 mg once daily at bedtime. However, other doses shown to be effective are:
300 mg 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime
400 mg twice 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.
Active Benign Gastric Ulcer
The usual dose is 800 mg once a day at bedtime or 300 mg taken 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime.
Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The usual dosage is a total of 1,600 mg daily divided into doses of 800 mg twice a day or 400 mg 4 times a day for 12 weeks. The beneficial use of Cimetidine beyond 12 weeks has not been firmly established.
Pathological Hypersecretory Condition
The usual dosage is 300 mg 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dosage based on your needs, but you should take no more than 2,400 mg per day.
TAGAMET for CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 16 years old. However, your doctor may decide that the potential benefits of Cimetidine use outweigh the potential risks. Doses of 20 to 40 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight have been used.
TAGAMET HB
Heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach
The usual dosage is 2 tablets, taken with water, once or up to twice a day. Do not take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours.
Do not give Cimetidine HB to children under 12 years unless your doctor tells you to.
