Tagamet (Cimetidine) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Tagamet

Heartburn »

Overview of Heartburn

The esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It is made of muscles that work to push food toward the stomach in rhythmic waves. Once in the stomach, food is prevented from refluxing (moving back into the esophagus), by a special area of circular muscle located at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A pressure difference across the diaphragm, the flat muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, also tends to keep stomach contents in the stomach.

The stomach combines food, acids, and enzymes together to begin digestion. There are special protective cells that line the stomach to prevent the acid from causing inflammation. The esophagus does not have this same protection; if stomach products reflux back into the esophagus, they can cause inflammation to the lining.

Heartburn Causes

Heartburn is actually a symptom of G...

Read the Heartburn article »

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Tagamet Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, depression, hallucinations), trouble urinating, muscle/joint pain, breast swelling/soreness in males, decreased sexual ability (with very high doses of this medication).

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough, trouble breathing), fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, unusual tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, change in the amount of urine.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking cimetidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, certain lung diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), diabetes, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).

Before taking non-prescription cimetidine for self-treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first if you have any of the following symptoms. These may be signs of a more serious condition. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you have: difficulty/pain with swallowing food, persistent nausea/vomiting, bloody vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody/black stools, frequent chest pain, persistent stomach pain, heartburn for more than 3 months, trouble breathing with heartburn.

If you are prescribed cimetidine or are considering non-prescription cimetidine for self-treatment, tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these other symptoms that may actually be signs of a more serious condition: heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders, unexplained weight loss.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Do not use this medication to treat children younger than 12 unless directed by the doctor.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, the elderly may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug, especially confusion and lung infection (pneumonia).

Cimetidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Cimetidine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.