CIMETIDINE HCL

Drug Name: CIMETIDINE HCL

CIMETIDINE HCL DESCRIPTION:
CIMETIDINE - ORAL (sye-MET-uh-deen)

COMMON CIMETIDINE HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Tagamet

CIMETIDINE HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, sleepiness, dry skin or dry mouth may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Hair loss, increased sweating, anxiety, change in sex drive, breast enlargement in males and change in taste perceptions may also occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop a skin rash, hives, a change in heartbeat, jaundice, diarrhea, mental confusion, depression, difficulty walking, vision changes, trouble urinating, joint or muscle pain, ringing in the ears or breathing difficulty while taking CIMETIDINE HCL. Notify your doctor immediately if you notice black, tarry stools or "coffee ground" vomit which may suggest bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CIMETIDINE HCL:
CIMETIDINE HCL: CIMETIDINE HCL is taken by mouth. Take this as directed. Do not increase your dose, take this more often than prescribed or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor. If you are taking antacids in addition to this medication, stagger the doses so they are not taken at the same time. Try to space dosing of CIMETIDINE HCL and antacids by at least 2 hours.

CIMETIDINE HCL USES:
Cimetidine blocks secretion of acid from the stomach. Prescription cimetidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers; to treat gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD); and to treat conditions associated with excessive acid secretion (e.g., Zollinger-Ellision Syndrome). Nonprescription cimetidine is used to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.

OTHER USES OF CIMETIDINE HCL:
CIMETIDINE HCL may also be used treat skin rashes caused by allergic conditions.

CIMETIDINE HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease or any allergies. Do not change your dose without your doctor's approval. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. CIMETIDINE HCL should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of CIMETIDINE HCL are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

CIMETIDINE HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
CIMETIDINE HCL can affect how your body responds to other medications. It is important to tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including antacids, alcohol, heart medication, blood thinners, medication for anxiety, blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, depression, narcotic pain relievers, ketoconazole, itraconazole and theophylline. Cigarette smoking can affect CIMETIDINE HCL. Tell your doctor if you smoke and if you stop or start smoking while using this medication. CIMETIDINE HCL is available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations. Do not take both at the same time. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CIMETIDINE HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, tremors, vomiting, restlessness, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness.

CIMETIDINE HCL NOTES:
For best results, CIMETIDINE HCL is often used along with lifestyle changes such as stress-reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes. Talk to your health care professional about changes that you can benefit from. Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking CIMETIDINE HCL to monitor results and prevent side effects.

MISSED CIMETIDINE HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

CIMETIDINE HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.