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Tagamet

Generic name: Cimetidine
Other brand name: Tagamet HB

Tagamet is a histamine blocker used to treat and prevent ulcers. Tagamet is also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It prevents the release of acid into the stomach. Tagamet is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Tagamet Dosage

Adults: The adult dose of cimetidine ranges from 400 mg once daily (usually taken at bedtime) to 600 mg four times a day (usually with meals and at bedtime), depending on the condition being treated. The maximum recommended dose of cimetidine is 2,400 mg.

Children: Children's doses are based on the weight of the child.

Cimetidine can be taken with or without food.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Uses of Tagamet

• Cimetidine is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers.
• Nonprescription cimetidine is used to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.
• This medication may also be used treat skin rashes caused by allergic conditions.

Side Effects of Tagamet

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Tagamet. Side effects may include:

• Breast development in men, headache.
• agitation, anxiety, confusion, depression, disorientation, and hallucinations--may appear in severely ill individuals who have been treated for 1 month or longer. However, these reactions are not permanent and have cleared up within 3 to 4 days of discontinuation of the drug.

Warnings and precautions before taking Tagamet:

• Ulcers may be more difficult to heal if you smoke cigarettes.
• If you are being treated for a liver or kidney disorder, make sure the doctor is aware if it.
• If you are over 50 years old, have liver or kidney disease, or are severely ill, you may experience temporary mental confusion while taking Tagamet. Notify your doctor.
• This medication should not be combined with breastfeeding, it may cause undesirable side effects in infants.
• If you have trouble swallowing or persistent abdominal pain, do not take Tagamet HB; instead, check with your doctor. You may have a serious condition that requires different treatment.

Drug Interaction :- If Tagamet is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Tagamet with the following:

• Antidiabetic drugs such as Micronase and Glucotrol
  
• Antifungal drugs such as Diflucan and Nizoral
  
• Augmentin
  
• Benzodiazepine tranquilizers such as Valium and Librium
  
• Beta-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Inderal and Lopressor
  
• Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Cardizem, Calan, and Procardia
  
• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
  
• Cisapride (Propulsid)
  
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
  
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Overdose

Information concerning overdosage is limited. However, respiratory failure, an increased heartbeat, exaggerated side effect symptoms or reactions such as unresponsiveness may be signs of Tagamet overdose. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.