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What is the most important information I should know about nizatidine?

Do not stop taking nizatidine without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal. Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking nizatidine. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of nizatidine.

What is nizatidine?

Nizatidine is in a class of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists. Nizatidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Nizatidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Nizatidine is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid and conditions in which acid comes up into the esophagus and causes heartburn, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Nizatidine may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nizatidine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease;

• trouble or pain swallowing food;

• vomiting with blood; or

• bloody or black stools.

You may not be able to take nizatidine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Nizatidine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether nizatidine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Nizatidine passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take nizatidine?

Take nizatidine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not stop taking nizatidine without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal. Store nizatidine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a nizatidine overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased saliva production, difficulty breathing, and a fast heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking nizatidine?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking nizatidine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of nizatidine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking nizatidine and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• easy or unusual bruising or bleeding;

• bleeding gums;

• irregular heartbeat;

• fever and sore throat; or

• yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take nizatidine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness;

• headache; or

• diarrhea, nausea, or constipation.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.