Tagamet (Cimetidine)

Before taking TAGAMET, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Extreme stomach pain or stomach ulcers
• HIV or AIDS

Also, tell your physician if you smoke or have trouble swallowing before taking TAGAMET.

Stop taking this medicine and call your physician if your symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, or a sour taste in your mouth last longer than two weeks.

Continue to take TAGAMET for the recommended length of time even if you're feeling better. Stopping treatment too soon may delay the healing process.

This medicine is typically not recommended for older adults because it's not as safe as other drugs that can treat the same condition. If you're over age 65, talk to your doctor before taking TAGAMET.

TAGAMET shouldn't be used in kids younger than age 12.

Pregnancy and TAGAMET

TAGAMET is not likely to harm an unborn baby.

However, tell your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking this medicine.

The drug can pass into breast milk and may harm a breastfeeding baby. Don't take TAGAMET if you're breastfeeding.

Common Side Effects of TAGAMET

Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects are severe or don't go away:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness

Serious Side Effects of TAGAMET

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Confusion
• Depression
• Excitement
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Breast enlargement
• Decreased sexual ability
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that don't exist)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe stomach pain or stomach pain that doesn't go away
• Signs of an allergic reaction, including itching, hives, breathing difficulties, chest tightness, or swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue

Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:

• Antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, and Tums
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Herbal or dietary supplements
• Iron salts
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Lidocaine (Xylocaine)
• Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Propranolol (Inderal)
• Theophylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur)

TAGAMET and Other Interactions

TAGAMET may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

TAGAMET and Alcohol

Alcohol may make drowsiness and dizziness worse.

Talk to your doctor before consuming alcohol while taking TAGAMET.

TAGAMET comes as a tablet or liquid to take by mouth.

Your dose will depend on your medical condition; whether you use the prescription or OTC form; and your response to treatment.

The medicine is typically taken once a day at bedtime. It can also be taken two to four times a day with meals and at bedtime.

To prevent heartburn, take TAGAMET 30 minutes before eating foods or drinks that typically cause your symptoms.

Follow the instructions on your product label carefully when taking TAGAMET. Don't take more or less of the drug than is recommended.

TAGAMET Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Missed Dose of TAGAMET

If you miss a dose of TAGAMET, take it as soon as you remember.

However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule.

Don't double up to make up for a missed dose.