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Cimetidine

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Cimetidine reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
The most common side-effects are diarrhoea, dizziness, rash and tiredness. These effects are mild and do not last long.

About cimetidine

Type of medicine	H2-receptor antagonist
Used for	Conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach. To treat irritation and ulceration of the stomach caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Also called	Tagamet ®
Available as	Tablets and oral liquid

Cimetidine is used to treat certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach, such as stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers), ulcers of the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers), reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux or heartburn) indigestion and Zollinger-Ellison disease. It can also be used to treat irritation and ulceration of the stomach caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Acid is produced naturally in the stomach to help digest food. Excessive amounts of acid can irritate the stomach lining, causing inflammation, ulcers and other conditions. Cimetidine works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, relieving pain and helping to repair the damage.

Before taking cimetidine

Before taking cimetidine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take cimetidine

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take cimetidine at meal-times with a drink of water.
Try to take cimetidine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Your doctor may have prescribed you a course of treatment lasting at least 4 weeks. Do not stop taking cimetidine during this time without speaking to your doctor first

Getting the most from your treatment

Do not smoke. Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition.
Try to avoid foods that may upset your stomach such as, alcohol, citrus fruits and juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes or spicy food.
If you buy any medicines, check with your pharmacist that they are safe for you to take alongside cimetidine.

Can cimetidine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Diarrhoea	Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Dizziness, skin rash, tiredness, hair loss	If troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience any unexplained fever, sore throat, bruising or bleeding, speak with your doctor straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store cimetidine

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Manufacturer's PIL, Cimetidine Tablets, Dexcel-Pharma, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised October 2006, accessed 24 February 2008.
Manufacturer's PIL, Cimetidine 200mg/5ml Oral Solution, Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd., electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised September 2006, accessed 24 February 2008.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
3808

DocRef:
dils3820

Last Updated:
14 Apr 2008

Date of Next Review:
14 Apr 2010

Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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