Tagamet

Tagamet is a drug used in the treatment of peptic ulcer (duodenal or gastric) ulcer. This is used for the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill patients.

This drug is available as a tablet containing 300 mg, 400 mg or 800 mg of cimetidine hydrochloride. This is also available as an injection solution containing cimetidine hydrochloride 150 milligrams in 1 milliliter.

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This tablet should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

The IV form of the drug is usually injected by a health care professional. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Tagamet may interact with medications such as:

• Cisapride
• Dofetilide
• Epirubicin
• Artemether
• Atazanavir
• Azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole)
• Clopidogrel
• Asatinib
• Carmustine
• Lumefantrine
• Metformin
• Moclobemide
• Moricizine
• Procainamide
• Quinidine
• Silver sulfadiazine
• Lidocaine
• Metoprolol
• Propranolol
• Tacrine
• Warfarin
• Zaleplon
• Anti-seizure drugs including carbamazepine and phenytoin
• Benzodiazepines including diazepam
• Calcium channel blockers including diltiazem
• Narcotic analgesics including codeine
• Tricyclic antidepressants including amitriptyline
• Theophylline

Side Effects: There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to cimetidine or to other H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine)
• Immune system problems
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Certain lung diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)
• Diabetes
• Other stomach problems (e.g., tumors)
• Difficulty/pain with swallowing food
• Persistent nausea/vomiting
• Bloody vomit
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Bloody/black stools
• Frequent chest pain
• Persistent stomach pain
• Heartburn for more than 3 months
• Trouble breathing with heartburn
• Heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness
• Chest/shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing)
• Pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders
• Unexplained weight loss