Cimetedine

Cimetidine

Brand Name: Apo-Cimetidine (CAN), Gen-Cimetidine (CAN), Novo-Cimetine (CAN), Nu-Cimet (CAN), Peptol (CAN), Tagamet, Tagamet HB, Tagamet HB Suspension

 

Pregnancy Category B

Drug class: Histamine₂ (H₂) antagonist

 

Therapeutic actions

Inhibits the action of histamine at the histamine₂ (H₂) receptors of the stomach, inhibiting gastric acid secretion and reducing total pepsin output.

 

Indications

· Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer

· Short-term treatment of benign gastric ulcer

· Treatment of pathologic hypersecretory conditions (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

· Prophylaxis of stress-induced ulcers and acute upper GI bleeding in critical patients

· Treatment of erosive gastroesophageal reflux

· Relief of symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach (OTC use)

 

Contraindications

· Allergy to cimetidine, impaired renal or hepatic function, lactation.

 

Adverse effects

Dizziness, somnolence, headache, confusion, hallucinations, peripheral neuropathy; symptoms of brain stem dysfunction (dysarthria, ataxia, diplopia), Cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, hypotension (IV use), Diarrhea, Increases in plasma creatinine, serum transaminase, Impotence (reversible), gynecomastia (in long-term treatment), rash, vasculitis, pain at IM injection site

 

Drug Interactions:

· Increased risk of decreased white blood cell counts with antimetabolites, alkylating agents, other drugs known to cause neutropenia

· Increased serum levels and risk of toxicity of warfarin-type anticoagulants, phenytoin, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, alcohol, quinidine, lidocaine, theophylline, chloroquine, certain benzodiazepines (alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, flurazepam, triazolam), nifedipine, pentoxifylline, tricyclic antidepressants, procainamide, carbamazepine when taken with cimetidine

Nursing considerations

· Give drug with meals and at hs.

· Decrease doses in renal and liver dysfunction.

· Administer IM dose undiluted deep into large muscle group.

· Arrange for regular followup, including blood tests to evaluate effects.