Table of contents:
Indications
Tagamet is a medication used to treat symptoms of heartburn, stomach ulcers, benign gastric ulcer, erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease, and acid indigestion. The active ingredient in Tagamet is cimetidine. It is usually taken at mealtimes to prevent heartburn. Cimetidine belongs to a class of drugs commonly called H2 blockers. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.
Cimetidine is a medication that can be prescribed to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers, which it can also help prevent from recurring after they have healed. It is also used to treat specific stomach and throat conditions caused by excessive gastric acid, such as erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, acid reflux disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Uses and Dosage
Cimetidine is available in tablet form and should be taken orally as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once a day at bedtime or two to four times a day with meals and at bedtime. Take cimetidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Prescription dosing of Cimetidine varies based on the condition being treated.
- For duodenal ulcers, the recommended dose is 800 mg once a day at bedtime for 4 to 6 weeks. After the ulcer has healed, the recommended dose usually decreases to 400 mg at bedtime.
- For gastric ulcers, the recommended dose is 800 mg at bedtime or 300 mg four times a day (with meals and at bedtime).
- For GERD, the typical dose is either 800 mg twice a day or 400 mg four times a day for a period of 12 weeks.
- For hypersecretory conditions, the recommended dose is 300 mg four times a day with meals and at bedtime.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Tagamet (Cimetidine):
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Breast growth in men
Serious Side Effects of Tagamet (Cimetidine):
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Bloody or tarry stools
- Breast swelling or tenderness
- Confusion
- Cough with bloody mucus
- Hallucinations
- Mood changes
- Pain when swallowing
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Form and Strength
Tagamet (Cimetidine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Cimetidine: Tablet
- 200 mg
- 300 mg
Caution
- Avoid taking other medications within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take Tagamet. This medicine can make it harder for your body to absorb certain medicines you take by mouth.
- While heartburn, GERD, and other upset stomach symptoms can be indicative of serious stomach problems or cancer, it is not always the case. If these symptoms do not subside completely with cimetidine, or if they recur quickly after stopping the medication, speak to your healthcare provider.
- Avoid taking more than the recommended dosage or using the medication for longer than the prescribed duration, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- May interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and antifungal drugs. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking before starting cimetidine.
- People with kidney or liver disease, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, should use the medication with caution and under medical supervision.
- Cimetidine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking the medication.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to take cimetidine every day?
Yes, cimetidine can be taken every day until your provider tells you to stop. The length of treatment will depend on your condition and can differ based on your symptoms.
Can cimetidine be used to treat other conditions besides acid reflux and ulcers?
Yes, cimetidine has been used to treat other conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastric hypersecretory disorders.
How long does it take for cimetidine to start working?
It may start working within hours or take a few days for full relief.
How long can I take cimetidine for?
Speak with a medical professional before taking cimetidine or any medication for an extended period. Some medications may become less effective over time or may have long-term side effects.
Can cimetidine be taken with food?
Cimetidine can be taken with or without food, but take it exactly as directed by a medical professional or pharmacist.
Resources
It's important to purchase Tagamet from verified Canadian pharmacy.
REVIEWS