Generic Name: cimetidine

Brand Names: Cimetidine Hydrochloride-Sodium Chloride, Tagamet, Cimetidine Hydrochloride, Tagamet HB

What is this medicine?

CIMETIDINE (sye MET i deen) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort, and the heartburn from acid reflux.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood in your stools (black or tarry stools) or if you have blood in your vomit
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• pain or trouble trying to swallow food
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cimetidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

The medicine is for injection into a muscle or infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take cimetidine if you take the following drugs:

• cisapride
• dofetilide
• pimozide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• caffeine
• carbamazepine
• carmustine
• delavirdine
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• medicines for heart rhythm problems
• phenytoin
• theophylline
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Do not take with aspirin, ibuprofen or other antiinflammatory medicines. These can make your condition worse.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation in your stomach and can lengthen the time it will take for your ulcer to heal.

If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• agitation, nervousness, depression, hallucinations
• breast swelling, tenderness
• change in sex drive or performance
• dark urine
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.