Brand Names: Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules

Generic Name: nizatidine (Pronunciation: ni ZA ti deen)

• What is nizatidine (Axid)?
• What are the possible side effects of nizatidine (Axid)?
• What is the most important information I should know about nizatidine (Axid)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nizatidine (Axid)?
• How should I take nizatidine (Axid)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Axid)?
• What happens if I overdose (Axid)?
• What should I avoid' while taking nizatidine (Axid)?
• What other drugs will affect nizatidine (Axid)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is nizatidine (Axid)?

Nizatidine is in a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. Nizatidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Nizatidine is used to treat ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Nizatidine also treats heartburn and erosive esophagitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus.

Nizatidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Axid 150 mg

white/yellow, imprinted with Lilly 3144, AXID 150 mg

Axid 150 mg-REL

yellow, imprinted with 150, AXID Reliant

Axid 300 mg

orange/yellow, imprinted with Lilly 3145, AXID 300 mg

Nizatidine 150 mg-APO

white/yellow, imprinted with APO, 150

Nizatidine 150 mg-MYL

purple, imprinted with MYLAN 5150

Nizatidine 150 mg-TEV

brown/white, imprinted with N 894, 150

Nizatidine 150 mg-WAT

white, imprinted with 3137, WPI

Nizatidine 300 mg-APO

brown/white, imprinted with APO, 300

Nizatidine 300 mg-MYL

purple, imprinted with MYLAN 5300

Nizatidine 300 mg-TEV

beige, imprinted with N899, 300

Nizatidine 300 mg-WAT

brown, imprinted with 3138, WPI

What are the possible side effects of nizatidine (Axid)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using nizatidine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• unusual bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• fever, confusion; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• mild rash;
• diarrhea; or
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Axid (nizatidine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about nizatidine (Axid)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nizatidine or similar medications such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), or famotidine (Pepcid).

Before taking nizatidine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or stomach cancer or other problems.

Avoid taking cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), or famotidine (Pepcid) while you are taking nizatidine, unless your doctor has told you to.

Nizatidine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Nizatidine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.