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Cimetidine HCL

Brand

Tagamet; Cimetidine

Availability

100 mg, 200 mg Tablets (avail. in higher mg tablets as well)

300 mg/5mL in Cimetidine HCL liquid.

Pharmacology

Cimetidine is an H₂ receptor antagonist, which competitively blocks histamine to decrease daytime and nocturnal gastric acid secretion.

It inhibits gastric secretions stimulated by the following:  food, insulin, pentagastrin, and histamine; however, gastric emptying and lower esophageal pressure are not altered by this drug.

It has a demonstrated effect on reversal of suppressor T cell-mediated immunity.

Cimetidine is well absorbed by way of the GI tract and distributed in tissues. It is able to cross placental barrier.

It is metabolized in the liver, excreted in the kidneys and through breast milk.

Indications

Used to treat gastric, duodenal ulceration, esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux, also to treat in mega-esophagus by reducing gastric secretions.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

Use cautiously in impaired hepatic and renal functions.

May increase serum levels of beta blocking agents, lidocaine, calcium channel blockers, benzodiazapines, metronidazole, phenytoin, quinidine, and theophylline.

Decreases renal clearance of procainamide.

May be incompatible with amphotericin B, ampicillin sodium, cefazolin sodium, pentobarbital sodium.

Adverse Reactions

CNS:  disorientation

CV:  cardiac arrhythmias

GI:  diarrhea

Skin: itching, pain

Blood:  agranulocytosis

Dosage Recommendations

3 mg/lb BID in mega-esophagus. ³

or

5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg , PO, SQ, IM , q6hrs to q12hrs  ^2 1

Considerations

Store tablets in a tightly closed container, away from light, at room temperature.

Do not refrigerate injectables since they may precipitate.

In the event of respiratory failure beta-adrenergic blockers may be given.

Posted on June 23, 2003, 16:21, Last updated on June 10, 2008, 16:43 | Miscellaneous