Tagamet
® (
cimetidine) is a medication that is used to treat several conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. There are prescription and non-prescription forms of the drug. Tagamet is part of a class of drugs known as
H2 blockers.
Tagamet is available without a prescription as Tagamet HB®.
The manufacturer of Tagamet and Tagamet HB is GlaxoSmithKline, although brand-name prescription Tagamet is no longer being made.
Generic Tagamet and Tagamet HB are made by several manufacturers.
What Is Tagamet Used For?
Uses of prescription Tagamet include the treatment of:
- Duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the very first part of the intestine after the stomach) -- Tagamet can be used to treat a duodenal ulcer and also to prevent ulcers from coming back.
- Gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers) -- Tagamet is approved to treat benign (non-cancerous) gastric ulcers.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- Tagamet helps treat GERD, helping to relieve heartburn and heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD.
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions -- Tagamet helps to treat these conditions (in which too much stomach acid is produced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Tagamet HB (the over-the-counter form of Tagamet) is approved for the following conditions:
- Heartburn
- Acid indigestion
- Sour stomach.
Tagamet HB can be used to treat these problems once they have started. Also, it can be used to prevent these problems if taken before eating or drinking foods or beverages that cause heartburn.
(Click Tagamet Uses for more information on what Tagamet is used for, including information about possible off-label uses of the medication.)
Tagamet is an "
H2 blocker" that works by blocking a specific kind of histamine receptor. Histamine is a chemical released by the body that has several effects. In the stomach, histamine causes more acid to be produced. By blocking histamine in the stomach, Tagamet reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. This is why Tagamet is known as an "acid reducer."
There have been several studies looking at how well Tagamet treats several conditions.
Ulcers
In one study of Tagamet's effectiveness for treating duodenal ulcers (upper intestinal ulcers), ulcers were healed in up to 86 percent of people who took Tagamet within four weeks of treatment. After eight weeks of treatment, up to 94 percent of people showed ulcer healing. Studies have also shown that Tagamet can prevent duodenal ulcers from returning.
In studies looking at using Tagamet for gastric ulcer (stomach ulcer) treatment, up to 76 percent of people taking Tagamet experienced stomach ulcer healing within six weeks. Ulcers healed in 55 percent of people who were not taking Tagamet.
GERD and Esophagitis
Studies have looked at using Tagamet for gastroesophageal reflux disease (
GERD). These studies have shown Tagamet was effective for relieving GERD symptoms. These studies also showed that Tagamet helped to heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD. Up to 67 percent of people taking Tagamet showed esophageal healing within 12 weeks, compared to just 36 percent of those not taking Tagamet.
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
Studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of using Tagamet to treat several pathological hypersecretory conditions (in which too much stomach acid is produced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. These studies showed that Tagamet can decrease stomach acid production and relieve symptoms associated with pathological hypersecretory conditions.
When and How to Take Tagamet
Some general considerations for when and how to take Tagamet include the following:
- Tagamet comes in tablet form. Depending on the condition being treated, Tagamet is usually taken by mouth one to four times a day.
- For people with difficulty swallowing capsules or tablets, prescription Tagamet also comes in a solution (liquid) form.
- You may take Tagamet with or without food. If you are using over-the-counter Tagamet HB to prevent heartburn, you should take it right before eating (or up to 30 minutes before eating), up to twice a day.
- If you take Tagamet on a regular basis (not just when you need it), you should take it at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood. If you take Tagamet just once a day, it is usually best to take it in the evening or before bedtime.
- For Tagamet to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Tagamet will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Tagamet your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your Tagamet dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Tagamet. However, not everyone who takes Tagamet will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Tagamet well. When Tagamet side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of Tagamet include:
(Click Tagamet Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of Tagamet, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to Cimetidine and Impotence.)
Drug Interactions With Tagamet
Tagamet can potentially interact with several medicines.
Tagamet: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking Tagamet if you have:
- Kidney problems, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver problems, such as liver failure or cirrhosis
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you currently take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
For most people, Tagamet is quite effective at treating
GERD, ulcers, or other digestive problems. It is also generally well-tolerated. However,
Tagamet side effects can occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Tagamet. Some examples of substitute medications include:
Other alternatives to Tagamet include diet changes
(see GERD Diet) and surgery (for more serious problems).
People who take too much Tagamet may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Trouble breathing
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on Tagamet, seek medical attention immediately.
Tagamet should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Tagamet tablets and oral solution should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Tagamet and all medications out of the reach of children.
Tagamet: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
Many people take Tagamet only when they need it. However, for those who take Tagamet on a daily basis, if you do not take your Tagamet as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Tagamet.
Brand-name prescription Tagamet is no longer being made. Generic prescription Tagamet is available in the following strengths:
- Cimetidine 300 mg tablets
- Cimetidine 400 mg tablets
- Cimetidine 800 mg tablets
- Cimetidine solution -- 300 mg per 5 mL (300 mg per teaspoonful).
Over-the-counter Tagamet is available as Tagamet HB 200 mg tablets. Tagamet is also available in an injectable form for use in hospitals.
Currently, generic Tagamet tablets, Tagamet solution, and Tagamet HB tablets are licensed for sale.
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