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Nizatidine

Nizatidine is a prescription medicine that is licensed to treat duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The over-the-counter version can also be used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. Nizatidine works by blocking histamine in the stomach, which reduces the amount of acid production in the stomach. The prescription version is available in capsule and liquid form, and over-the-counter nizatidine comes as tablets.

 

What Is Nizatidine?

Nizatidine (Axid®) is a medication that is available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. It is used to treat several conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Nizatidine is part of a class of drugs known as H2 blockers.
 

Who Makes Nizatidine?

Prescription nizatidine capsules are made by Reliant Pharmaceuticals, while prescription nizatidine oral solution is made by Braintree Laboratories. Over-the-counter nizatidine AR is made by Whitehall-Robins. Generic nizatidine is made by several manufacturers.
 

Nizatidine Uses

Uses of prescription nizatidine include the treatment of:
 
 
  • Duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the very first part of the intestine after the stomach) -- nizatidine can be used to treat a duodenal ulcer and also to prevent ulcers from coming back.
     
  • Gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers) -- nizatidine is approved to treat benign (non-cancerous) gastric ulcers.
     
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- nizatidine helps treat GERD. The drug helps to relieve heartburn and heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD.
     
Over-the-counter nizatidine is approved for the treatment of the following conditions:
 
  • Heartburn
  • Acid indigestion
  • Sour stomach.
     
Over-the-counter nizatidine can be used to treat these problems once they have started. Also, the medicine can be used to prevent these problems if it is taken before eating or drinking foods that cause heartburn.
 
(Click What Is Nizatidine Used For? for more information on specific nizatidine uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;