Drug Name

Tagamet (Cimetidine)

Drug Uses

Tagamet is used for treating and preventing ulcers of the stomach and small intestine, and treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may be used for treating esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) caused by acid reflux and certain conditions that cause increased acid secretion (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Tagamet as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Tagamet by mouth with or without food.
Do not take an antacid within 1 hour before or after you take Tagamet.
If you also take cephalosporin (eg, cephalexin), itraconazole, or ketoconazole, take it at least 2 hours before taking Tagamet . Check with your doctor if you have questions.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Tagamet is an H2(histamine) blocker. It works by blocking one of the chemicals, histamine, that stimulates the release of acid into the stomach. This reduces acidity in the stomach.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Pulmicort, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light as directed. Do not store in the bathroom. An expiration date will be noted on the injection. Properly discard of any unused medication after this date.

Warnings/Precautions

Some medical conditions may interact with Tagamet . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Tagamet . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Many prescription medicines (eg, those used for angina, asthma, arrhythmias, blood thinning, cancer, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, infections, pain, psychiatric disorders, seizures, other conditions) may interact with Tagamet , increasing the risk of side effects, some potentially life-threatening.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; anxiety; breast enlargement; breast lumps; confusion; depression; disorientation; fatigue; hallucinations; hair loss; joint or muscle pain; pain, redness or swelling at injections site; skin flushing or redness; sexual difficulties; slow or fast heartbeat.

More Information

For best results, this medication is often used along with lifestyle changes such as stress-reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes. Talk to your health care professional about changes that you can benefit from. Laboratory tests may be done periodically while using this medication to monitor results and prevent side effects.