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Reflux is caused by weakness in the muscle at the junction of the esophagus with the stomach. Normally, this muscular valve, or sphincter, functions to keep food and stomach acid from moving upward from the stomach to the esophagus and larynx. This valve opens to allow food into the stomach and closes to keep the stomach's contents from coming back up. The backward movement of stomach contents (gastric contents) up into the esophagus is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux.
Additionally, any increase in abdominal pressure (such as obesity), which can push acid back from the stomach up the esophagus, or a patient with a hiatal hernia, will have an increased risk for reflux. When it causes symptoms, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD). When the acid backs up into the voice box (larynx), the condition is referred to as reflux laryngitis.
Stomach acid can cause irritati...
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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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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:
Less serious side effects may include:
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.
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 can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and 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 can be confused with early symptoms of heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, dizziness, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, nausea or vomiting, and a general ill feeling.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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