Cimetidine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What medicine is Cimetidine?

What is Cimetidine for?

Cimetidine is a medicine to treat indigestion caused by too much acid in the stomach. This drug is also useful for treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome), esophagitis (sore throat), or the flow of stomach acid back up into the esophagus (acid reflux disease / GERD).

Cimetidine is an H2 blocker that works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. This medication is available with or without a doctor's prescription.

The cimetidine dosage and side effects of cimetidine are described further below.

How to use the drug Cimetidine?

Take this medication as directed by your doctor. The dose and duration of use of this drug depend on your health condition. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. If you are also taking antacids to relieve stomach pain, give yourself a break at least 1 hour before taking this medication.

Take this medicine regularly according to a doctor's prescription in order to get maximum benefits. To help you remember, use the medicine at the same time every day. Continue until the medicine runs out. Stopping treatment too early may delay the healing process.

If you are taking cimetidine without a prescription to cure acid indigestion or heartburn, take 1 tablet by mouth with a glass of water. To prevent heartburn, take 1 tablet by mouth with a glass of water 30 minutes before or after meals. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours if your doctor recommends it. Do not take it for more than 14 consecutive days without consulting a doctor.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse.

How is Cimetidine stored?

Cimetidine is a drug that must be stored at room temperature. Keep this drug away from direct sunlight and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Rules of Use Cimetidine

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Cimetidine for adults?

To treat intestinal ulcers, the dosage of cimetidine is:

• Injections: 300 mg once or 2 times a day.
• Oral: 400 mg once a day at bedtime.

To treat esophagitis, cimetidine dosages are:

• Injections: 300 mg IV ata IM every 6 hours.
• Infusion: given as much as 50 mg / hour initially, in addition to 25 mg / hour gradually up to a maximum of 100 mg / hour (2.4 g / day).
• Oral: 800 mg 2 times a day, or alternatively, 400 mg 4 times a day.

To treat Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, the dosage of cimetidine is:

• Injectable: 300 mg IV or IM every 6 hours.
• Infusion: given as much as 50 mg / hour initially, in addition to 25 mg / hour gradually up to a maximum of 100 mg / hour (2.4 g / day).
• Oral: 300 mg 4 times a day after meals and at bedtime.

To treat GERD, cimetidine dosages are:

• Injectable: 300 mg IV or IM every 6 hours.
• Infusion: given as much as 50 mg / hour. The maximum daily dose should not be more than 2.4 grams.
• Oral: 800 mg once a day at bedtime, or 400 mg 4 times a day.

To treat dyspepsia, cimetidine dosages are:

• 200 mg orally just before or 30 minutes after meals. Maximum every 24 hours: 2 doses.

What is the dosage of Cimetidine for children?

To treat GERD, cimetidine dosages are:

• Newborn: 5-10 mg / kg / day IV or IM given in separate doses every 8-12 hours.
• Infants: 10-20 mg / kg / day IV, IM, or orally in separate doses every 6-12 hours.
• Children: 20-40 mg / kg / day IV, IM, or orally in separate doses every 6 hours.

To treat dyspepsia, cimetidine dosages are:

• Age 12 years and over: 200 mg 2 times a day or drink 30 minutes before meals.

In what dosage is Cimetidine available?

Tablets 300 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg.

Cimetidine dosage

What side effects can be experienced due to Cimetidine?

The most common side effects of this drug include:

• Dizzy
• Chest pain
• Joint or muscle pain
• Mild rash
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Constipation

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects such as:

• Cough
• Fever
• Hard to breathe
• Red rash or blistered skin
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• The body is unusually weak
• Feel like passing out
• Urinating less frequently
• Rash

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Cimetidine side effects

What should be known before using the drug Cimetidine?

Use this medication exactly according to label directions, or a doctor's prescription. Do not use the drug in excess and for longer than recommended. Avoid using antacids if your doctor doesn't recommend them for heartburn. Follow your doctor's advice on the types of antacids for how and when to use them. You may not be able to take an antacid at the same time as cimetidine.

Is Cimetidine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or nursing women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Cimetidine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What medicines may interact with the drug Cimetidine?

Although several types of drugs cannot be taken at the same time, there are also cases where the drugs can be taken simultaneously if there is an interaction. In this case, the doctor may change the dose, or may need to be prevented. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking medication with or without a prescription.

Can food or alcohol interact with the drug Cimetidine?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with the drug Cimetidine?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Diabetes
• Asthma or chronic lung disease
• Weak immune system
• Pressure on the bone marrow
• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease

Cimetidine Drug Interactions

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.