Cimetidine

Labeled as a member of histamine H2-antagonists, Cimetidine was formulated and introduced to the market to provide people suffering from ulcer and heartburn the ultimate solution to their problems. This prescription drug has been around for a number of years now and it’s so nice to know that a number of patients have already found satisfaction with its use. Well, what makes Cimetidine highly potent is seen primarily on the way it works to treat ulcers and heartburn.

So How Does Cimetidine Work?

As a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, it is typical for Cimetidine to work by blocking the histamine found in the stomach. This histamine is what primarily distributes acid into the stomach, causing the ulcer. So when blocked, this prescription medication allows the stomach to be free from too much acid. And, because of this function, it’s no wonder for this drug to be capable of treating not only heartburn and peptic ulcer, but also gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagus inflammation, and other conditions identified by a doctor.

To make such mechanism possible, the Cimetidine medication must be taken under the right and proper dosage. Well, there is actually no particular dose of Cimetidine that may fall perfect to all medical conditions. Fact is, the dosage may vary depending on the conditions treated. For instance, people suffering from duodenal ulcer are required to take 800 milligrams of this drug before bedtime. 300 milligrams of it must be taken four times a day during bedtime and meal time. Or, the patient may be required to take 400 milligrams dose of it for twice a day, but to be taken for four to six weeks. Not only that. Patient will also be advised to maintain a sort of therapy involving the intake of 400 milligrams of Cimetidine at bedtime.

For those with active gastric ulcers, only a dose of 800 milligrams of Cimetidine is required to be consumed at bedtime. Or, if taken for four times a day, each dose must be about 300 milligrams only and no more. This must, however, be maintained for more than seven weeks, or eight weeks to be exact.

The doses may further vary depending on what condition is targeted to be solved. So the best way to determine exactly the right dose for a particular condition is to talk to your doctor in person. Your doctor is only the one capable of telling you everything about your medication, so don’t wait and don’t even hesitate.

In terms of Cimetidine side effects, note that there are certain symptoms that tend to develop once the drug is taken, although rare. The most minor of these side effects are diarrhea, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, constipation and insomnia. Patients may also experience vomiting and nausea.

For the most serious side effects, patients taking Cimetidine may experience hallucinations and confusion, impotence, breasts enlargement symptoms, and decreased count of the white blood cells. Irregular heartbeat, allergic reactions, rashes, hepatitis, and visual changes may also develop hours after an excess amount of Cimetidine is consumed.

Note that most of those above mentioned side effects occur as a result of either improper usage of this medication or drug interactions. For instance, the decreased count of blood in the body may be caused by the intake of Cimetidine along with other drugs. To avoid any complications associated with the medication’s drug interaction, it is always best for every patient suffering from ulcer and other conditions as mentioned above to make sure that everything is handled properly and carefully. So far, this is one of the important things that people of every age, gender, and race must consider before taking any of the prescribed medications on the market.