• Basic Info
• Top Questions
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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.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What other drugs will affect nizatidine?
Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking nizatidine. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of nizatidine. Nizatidine may affect the actions of other medications by changing the acidity of the stomach. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines during treatment with nizatidine.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Nizatidine has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies have revealed evidence of teratogenicity, but only at very high doses in certain species. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Nizatidine should only be given during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

Nizatidine is excreted into human milk in small amounts. In one study, less than 0.1% of the maternal dose was eliminated in milk over 12 hours. The manufacturer recommends that due to the growth depression seen in pups reared by lactating rats while receiving nizatidine, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

The secretion of nizatidine into breast milk was studied in three lactating women. Following administration of nizatidine 150 mg, either one time or every 12 hours for five doses, an average of 96 mcg of nizatidine was secreted into milk over 12 hours. This amount represents 0.064% of the maternal dose.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to nizatidine, any ingredient in the formulation, or to other histamine H₂ antagonists (i.e., cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine).

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What does my medication look like?
Nizatidine is available with a prescription under the brand name Axid. Nizatidine is also available over the counter under the brand name Axid AR. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Axid 150 mg--pale/dark-yellow capsules Axid 300 mg--pale-yellow/brown capsules

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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