Drug Name

Tagamet (Cimetidine)

Drug Uses

This medication blocks secretion of acid from the stomach. It is used to treat as well as halt ulcers, to treat gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), as well as to treat conditions associated with excessive acid secretion.

How Taken

This medication is given by injection into a muscle o infused into a vein in persons unable to take oral medication. Take this as directed. Do not increase your dose, take this more often than prescribed or halt using this without earliest consulting your doctor.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Tagamet belongs to a class of medications called histamine H2-antagonists. Histamine is a common artificial that stimulates stomach cells to produce acid. Histamine H2-antagonists inhibit the action of histamine on the acid-producing cells of the stomach as well as reduce stomach acid. Tagamet was approved by the FDA in 1977.

Missed Dose

Incase you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it incase it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose as well as resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 as well as 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat as well as light as directed. Do not store in the bathroom. An expiration date will be noted on the injection. Properly discard of any unused medication after this date.

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor incase you have: liver problems, kidney disease, any allergies. Do not change your dose without your doctor's approval. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. This medication should be used only incase clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks as well as benefits with your doctor. Since tiny amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Likely Side Effects

Headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, sleepiness, moistureless skin or moistureless mouth may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Hair loss, increased sweating, anxiety, change in sex drive, breast enlargement in males as well as change in taste perceptions, as well as irritation at the injection site may as well as occur. Incase any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor incase you develop: a skin rash, hives, irregular heartbeat, jaundice, diarrhea, mental confusion, depression, difficulty walking, vision changes, trouble urinating, joint or muscle pain, ringing in the ears, breathing difficulty. Notify your doctor immediately incase you develop: not light tarry stools, "coffee ground"-like vomit. Incase you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

For best results, this medication is often used along with lifestyle changes such as stress-reduction programs, exercise as well as dietary changes. Talk to your health care professional about changes that you can benefit from. Laboratory tests may be done periodically while using this medication to monitor results as well as halt side effects.