Home : Drugs A - Z : Cimetidine

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 is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

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.

How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If you only take this medicine once a day take it at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

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?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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.

Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to cimetidine or any ingredient in the formulation.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not start to get better or gets worse. You may need to take this medicine for several days before your symptoms get better. Finish the full course of tablets prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you feel better.

Do not take with aspirin, ibuprofen, or other antiinflammatory medicines unless directed to do so by your health care professional. These can make your condition worse.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation in your stomach and can increase 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 right away. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

If you need to take an antacid you should take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after cimetidine. This medicine will not work as well if taken at the same time as an antacid.

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

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.