Tagamet

The active ingredient in Tagamet is cimetidine. It is considered a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA). It reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces, preventing heartburn and promoting ulcer healing.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Tagamet. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tagamet:

• Typically, Tagamet is taken 1 to 4 times daily.
• Take Tagamet 30 minutes before eating or drinking to avoid food or drink-induced heartburn.
• Drink a full glass of water before taking this medication.
• Carefully measure liquid medications. Use a medication dose-measuring tool (not a kitchen spoon) or the supplied dosing syringe.
• An ulcer may not heal for up to eight weeks. Even if your symptoms go away right away, take this medication for the entire recommended duration of time.

The most common side effects of Tagamet seen in clinical trials include:

• Headache.
• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Sleepiness.
• Rash.
• Stomach pain.
• Constipation.
• Breast enlargement in males (from long-term use of the medication).
• Decreased sexual ability (with very high doses).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Tagamet. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, hives, or adverse reactions when taking the medication.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tagamet. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Tagamet, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Frequent chest pain.
• Wheezing along with heartburn.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Heartburn that lasts more than three months.
• Kidney or liver disease.
• Early signs of a heart attack that can be confused with heartburn. If you have anxiety or dizziness along with chest pain that radiates to your jaw or shoulder, get emergency medical attention.
• An allergy to Tagamet HB or other stomach acid reducers (such as ranitidine, famotidine, Zantac, Axid, and others).

Tagamet is not safe for you to take if you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you. Please inform your healthcare practitioner of this.

• Allergy to other acid-lowering drugs or cimetidine (Tagamet HB)

When taken orally, Tagamet takes 30 minutes to start working and can last up to 12 hours.

When Tagamet is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Ketoconazole.
• Phenytoin.
• Theophylline.
• Itraconazole.
• Omeprazole.
• Certain antidepressants.
• A blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven.
• Heart or blood pressure medicine such as nifedipine, and propranolol.
• A sedative like chlordiazepoxide, diazepam.

Tagamet can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) or with a prescription. The prescription strengths are 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg; the over-the-counter strength is 200 mg.

OTC dosage for adults aged 12 and up:

Heartburn relief: 200 mg taken orally once daily is the usual dosage.

Preventing heartburn: 200 mg taken orally once daily is the usual dosage. Take Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) immediately before or up to half an hour before consuming heartburn-causing foods or liquids.

No more than two tablets should be taken in 24 hours.

Doses prescribed for individuals aged 16 and up:

For GERD, the usual dosage is 400 mg taken orally four times a day or 800 mg taken twice a day. Usually, treatment lasts 12 weeks.

800 mg taken orally once daily before bed for four to six weeks is the usual dosage for duodenal ulcers. 400 mg taken orally once daily at bedtime is the suggested dosage once the ulcer has healed.

Gastric ulcer: The usual dosage is 300 mg four times a day (with meals and before bed) or 800 mg before bed.

Disorders that result in excessive stomach acid: 300 mg taken orally four times a day with meals and before bed is the usual dosage.

Take the medication as soon as you can after missing a dose, but if your next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store Tagamet at room temperature and out of reach of children.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) manufactures Tagamet.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available to purchase.

Even if you feel better, keep taking this medication for the entire recommended course of treatment. The healing process may be slowed down if treatment is stopped too soon. Take one tablet orally with a glass of water as needed if you are self-treating acid reflux or heartburn with over-the-counter cimetidine.

It is not known whether Tagamet is safe for you and your unborn baby during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Tagamet is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding. However, talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.