Why is this medication prescribed?
Cimetidine is used to treat and prevent the recurrence of ulcers and to treat other conditions where the stomach makes too much acid. Cimetidine also is used to treat or prevent occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. Cimetidine is available with and without a prescription. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How should this medicine be used?
Cimetidine comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily at bedtime or up to four times a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription or the package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cimetidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take cimetidine for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to. If symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach last longer than 2 weeks, stop taking cimetidine and call your doctor immediately. Other uses for this medicine
Cimetidine also is used to treat stress ulcers and certain allergic conditions or skin rashes. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition. What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking cimetidine, - tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cimetidine or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amitriptyline (Elavil), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), desipramine (Norpramin), diazepam (Valium), diuretics, imipramine (Tofranil), metronidazole (Flagyl), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), phenytoin (Dilantin), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur), triamterene (Dyrenium), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cimetidine, call your doctor.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from cimetidine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: - headache
- dizziness
- constipation
- diarrhea
- muscle pain
- drowsiness
- breast enlargement and soreness
If you have any of the following symptoms, stop taking cimetidine and call your doctor immediately: - mental confusion
- skin rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). The liquid may be kept in the refrigerator, but do not let it freeze. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed, and throw away liquid cimetidine after 30 days. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911. What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to cimetidine. Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. |
