Cimetidine

Information about Cimetidine

Cimetidine Uses

Cimetidine is used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux) and peptic ulcer disease.

How Cimetidine works

Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach which helps relieve of acid-related indigestion and heartburn.

Common side effects of Cimetidine

Headache, Diarrhea, Muscle pain, Skin rash, Tiredness
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Betina Chandolia
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
06 Mar 2020 | 11:38 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Cimetidine

UlcibanTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹12 to ₹252 variant(s)
TagasecTaj Pharma India Ltd
₹91 variant(s)
AcitakAstron Healthcare
₹5 to ₹122 variant(s)
CimetigetFranco-Indian Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
₹7 to ₹142 variant(s)
TymidinAbbott L
₹7 to ₹132 variant(s)
CimetinPCI Pharmaceuticals
₹191 variant(s)
NeotidNeon Laboratories Ltd
₹251 variant(s)

Expert advice for Cimetidine

  • Take Cimetidine before going to bed if you are taking this medicine once a day. It is very effective in controlling stomach acid that is released when you are asleep.
  • If you are also taking other medications to treat acidity (e.g., antacid), take them 2 hours before or after taking Cimetidine.
  • Avoid taking soft drinks, citrus fruits like orange and lemon, which can irritate the stomach and increase acid secretion.
  • Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after taking Cimetidine for 2 weeks as you may be suffering from some other problems.
  • Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney disease as dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.
  • Inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements that you are taking because Cimetidine can interfere with the working of other medications.
  • Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor. 

Frequently asked questions for Cimetidine

Cimetidine

Q. How can Cimetidine cause gynecomastia?

Cimetidine causes gynecomastia (enlarged breasts of males) by decreasing the male hormone (testosterone) levels and blocking the sensitivity of the target areas on which testosterone acts. However, the breast enlargement is not bothersome. Please consult your doctor if this worries you.

Q. Can I take Cimetidine with loperamide?

Cimetidine can decrease the metabolism of Loperamide, increase its blood levels. This can in turn increase the effects and side effects of Loperamide. So, consult your doctor prior to taking both the medicines together as your dose of Loperamide may need to be decreased.

Q. Is there any vitamin and mineral loss when Cimetidine is taken?

Cimetidine is not known to cause vitamin and mineral loss or deficiency. However, Cimetidine belongs to the class of H2 receptor blocker which can decrease vitamin B12 absorption and cause its deficiency as reported in some studies especially when used for more than two years.

Q. Is Cimetidine an antacid?

No, Cimetidine is not an antacid as it does not neutralize the acids of the stomach rather it works by decreasing the production of the acid.

Q. Are there any withdrawal symptoms associated with the use of Cimetidine?

Clinical studies or reports so far have not reported any withdrawal symptoms when the patient stops taking Cimetidine and this suggests that Cimetidine has no addictive potential.

Q. Can I take Cimetidine with antacids?

Antacids and Cimetidine both can be taken at the same time as they are not known to affect each other’s action. However, both Cimetidine and antacids help in decreasing the acidity and use of more than one drug for the same effect is not advisable unless absolutely necessary.

Q. Can I take Cimetidine with coffee?

There are no reports of any harmful effects of taking Cimetidine along with coffee. However, Cimetidine can decrease the breakdown of coffee and increase its effects. Also, coffee is a gastric stimulant and can increase acid secretion and aggravate your underlying condition.

Q. How is Omeprazole better than Cimetidine?

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor and Cimetidine is an H2 receptor blocker. They act in different ways but both decrease the acid production in the stomach. However, according to some studies, omeprazole is more potent, longer acting, and has fewer side effects when compared to Cimetidine.

Q. Why should Cimetidine be taken at bedtime?

Cimetidine can be given as a single daily dose or as multiple daily doses depending on your condition. When given in a single dose, it is preferred that you should take it before going to bed as it is very effective in decreasing nighttime acid secretion and a fixed time will help you to remember to take the medicine.

Q. Does Cimetidine work for molluscum contagiosum?

Oral Cimetidine has been seen to be effective in treating molluscum in children. However, this is not an approved indication for its use. Please consult your doctor before taking it for this condition.

Q. Why does Cimetidine increase the action of opiates?

Cimetidine increases the action of an opioid like substances by inhibiting enzymes which are responsible for the breakdown of opiates. Due to a decrease in the breakdown, opioid levels increase in the body and hence their action is also increased.

Q. Is Cimetidine available over the counter?

No, Cimetidine is not available as an over-the-counter medication. It is a prescription medicine and is available only when prescribed by a physician.

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