Cimetidine Overdose

A person who has overdosed on cimetidine may experience symptoms such as trouble breathing or rapid heart rate. Very high doses of cimetidine have resulted in loss of life. Treatment for a cimetidine overdose may involve administering certain medications or "pumping the stomach." Treatment may also include supportive care (such as fluids through an intravenous line).

Cimetidine (Tagamet)

An Overview of Cimetidine Overdose

Cimetidine (Tagamet^®) is a medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, including:

Cimetidine is available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. As with all medicines, it is possible to take too much cimetidine.

If you happen to overdose on cimetidine, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of a Cimetidine Overdose

Cimetidine overdose symptoms may include:

Trouble breathing
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Coma
Loss of life.

Deaths have resulted from very high cimetidine doses (over 40,000 mg).

Treatment for a Cimetidine Overdose

The treatment for a cimetidine overdose will vary.

If the cimetidine overdose was recent, the healthcare provider may administer certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Treatment may also involve supportive care. This type of care consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options for a cimetidine overdose may include:

Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)
Other treatments based on complications that occur.

Seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on cimetidine.