Tagamet

 
Generic Name: cimetidine

Brands: Tagamet, Tagamet HB

---

What is the most important information I should know about Tagamet?

· Do not stop taking Tagamet without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.

· Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking Tagamet. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of Tagamet.

 

What is Tagamet?

· Tagamet is in a class of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists. Tagamet works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

· Tagamet is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Tagamet is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid and conditions in which acid comes up into the esophagus and causes heartburn, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

· Tagamet may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Tagamet?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·kidney disease; or     ·liver disease;

· You may not be able to take Tagamet, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Tagamet is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Tagamet without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· Tagamet passes into breast milk, but it is believed to have little effect on a nursing infant. Do not take Tagamet without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Tagamet?

· Take Tagamet exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of Tagamet with dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Do not stop taking Tagamet without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.

· Store Tagamet at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Tagamet overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased saliva production, difficulty breathing, and a fast heartbeat.

 

What should I avoid while taking Tagamet?

· There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Tagamet, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Tagamet?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Tagamet and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·easy or unusual bruising or bleeding;     ·bleeding gums;     ·irregular heartbeat;     ·yellowing of the skin; or     ·a rash.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Tagamet and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·dizziness;     ·headache; or     ·diarrhea, nausea, or constipation.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Tagamet?

· Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking Tagamet. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of Tagamet.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·a sedative, sleeping pill, or tranquilizer such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium);     ·an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);     ·a seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol);     ·a heart medication such as procainamide (Procan SR, Procanbid, Pronestyl), digoxin (Lanoxin), propranolol (Inderal), or metoprolol (Lopressor);     ·an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase), tolbutamide (Tolinase), and others;     ·ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or fluconazole (Diflucan); or     ·cisapride (Propulsid).

· You may not be able to take Tagamet, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Tagamet. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Tagamet written for health professionals that you may read.

Print this page