Description

Cimetidine is in a class of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists. Cimetidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

 

 

	Quantity	Strength	Price	Our Guarantees
	60 Tab(s)	400mg	$25.30
	90 Tab(s)	400mg	$31.90
	120 Tab(s)	400mg	$37.40

of active duodenal ulcer. Most patients heal within 4 weeks and there is rarely reason to use Tagamet at full dosage for longer than 6 to 8 weeks (see Dosage and Administration–Duodenal Ulcer). Concomitant antacids should be given as needed for relief of pain. However, simultaneous administration of Tagamet and antacids is not recommended, since antacids have been reported to interfere with the absorption of Tagamet.

(2) Maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of active ulcer. Patients have been maintained on continued treatment with Tagamet 400 mg h.s. for periods of up to 5 years.

(3) Short-term treatment of active benign gastric ulcer. There is no information concerning usefulness of treatment periods of longer than 8 weeks.

(4) Erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopy. Treatment is indicated for 12 weeks for healing of lesions and control of symptoms. The use of Tagamet beyond 12 weeks has not been established (see Dosage and Administration–GERD).

(5) Prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill patients.

(6) The treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (i.e., Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, systemic mastocytosis, multiple endocrine adenomas).
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Duodenal Ulcer

Active Duodenal Ulcer: Clinical studies have indicated that suppression of nocturnal acid is the most important factor in duodenal ulcer healing (see Clinical Pharmacology–Acid Secretion). This is supported by recent clinical trials (see Clinical Trials–Active Duodenal Ulcer). Therefore, there is no apparent rationale, except for familiarity with use, for treating with anything other than a once-daily at bedtime dosage regimen (h.s.).

In a U.S. dose-ranging study of 400 mg h.s., 800 mg h.s. and 1600 mg h.s., a continuous dose response relationship for ulcer healing was demonstrated.

However, 800 mg h.s. is the dose of choice for most patients, as it provides a high healing rate (the difference between 800 mg h.s. and 1600 mg h.s. being small), maximal pain relief, a decreased potential for drug interactions (see Precautions–Drug Interactions) and maximal patient convenience. Patients unhealed at 4 weeks, or those with persistent symptoms, have been shown to benefit from 2 to 4 weeks of continued therapy.