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General Medication Fact Sheet for Cimetidine
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Cimetidine |
| Brand Name Versions | Tagamet |
| Purpose | Treats and prevents heartburn and stomach ulcers by reducing stomach acid production. |
| Mechanism of Action | Histamine H2 receptor antagonist: blocks histamine’s action on parietal cells, reducing gastric acid secretion. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, oral solution |
| Available Strengths | 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically two to four times daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider. |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, muscle pain, drowsiness. |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling), mental/mood changes, breast enlargement in men, decreased sexual ability. |
| Drug Interactions | Warfarin, phenytoin, theophylline, certain antiarrhythmics (e.g., quinidine), some benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam). |
| Important Notes | May affect the absorption of other medications. Separate administration times from other drugs as advised by your doctor. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Famotidine, Ranitidine, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole |
Cimetidine Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Famotidine (Pepcid) | Histamine H2 receptor antagonist | Longer duration of action compared to cimetidine. |
| Ranitidine (Zantac) | Histamine H2 receptor antagonist | Previously widely used, but some formulations were recalled. Check with your doctor or pharmacist. |
| Omeprazole (Prilosec) | Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) | More potent acid suppression compared to H2 blockers. |
| Pantoprazole (Protonix) | Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) | Another commonly used PPI for acid reflux and ulcers. |
Cimetidine Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Headache | Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling) |
| Dizziness | Mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations) |
| Diarrhea | Breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia) |
| Muscle pain | Decreased sexual ability |
| Drowsiness | Irregular heartbeat |
Cimetidine Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duodenal Ulcer | 300 mg | 300 mg four times daily, or 400 mg twice daily | Take with meals and at bedtime. |
| Gastric Ulcer | 300 mg | 300 mg four times daily, or 400 mg twice daily | Take with meals and at bedtime. |
| GERD | 300 mg | 300 mg four times daily, or 400 mg twice daily | Take with meals and at bedtime. |
| Heartburn | 200 mg | 200 mg as needed | Take 30 minutes before meals. |
Cimetidine Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $90 |
| From Canada | $39.95 |
