Cimetidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach or intestines and prevent them from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems caused by too much acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD).

This form of cimetidine is given by injection and is used for short-term treatment of these conditions when you cannot take this medication by mouth. Your doctor should switch you to taking this medication by mouth when possible.

Cimetidine injection is also used to prevent serious stomach bleeding in very ill patients (usually in the hospital/ICU).

Cimetidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This effect helps heal and prevent ulcers and improves symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.

Follow all instructions for proper preparation. If this medication is to be given into a vein, follow instructions for mixing with the correct IV fluids. Premixed bags should be given only into a vein. If you have questions about the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

Cimetidine is injected into a vein or muscle by a health care professional, usually every 6 to 8 hours or as directed by your doctor. When injected into a vein, cimetidine should be given slowly over at least 5 minutes. Giving the medication too fast may cause dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or a drop in blood pressure. Your healthcare professional will be watching you for these symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms while receiving this medication, tell your health care professional immediately. This medication may also be mixed in a solution and injected slowly over 15-20 minutes or continuously.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The dosage in children may also be based on body weight. Do not increase your dose, use this medication more often than prescribed, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Headache, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, and pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: breast tenderness/swelling, joint/muscle pain, mental/mood changes (e.g., restlessness, confusion, depression, hallucinations), trouble starting the flow of urine.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, fainting, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), persistent nausea/vomiting, decreased sexual ability, muscle twitching, severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, dark urine, change in amount of urine, yellowing skin/eyes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using cimetidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat), immune system problems, kidney disease, liver problems, lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects (e.g., confusion) while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: cisapride, dofetilide, epirubicin.

If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting cimetidine.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: atazanavir, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), carmustine, dasatinib, metformin, moclobemide, moricizine, procainamide, quinidine, drugs removed from your body by certain liver enzymes (such as lidocaine, metoprolol, metronidazole, propranolol, tacrine, theophylline, warfarin, zaleplon, narcotic analgesics including codeine, tricyclic antidepressants including amitriptyline, anti-seizure drugs including carbamazepine and phenytoin, benzodiazepines including diazepam, calcium channel blockers including nifedipine).

Cigarette smoking can affect this medication. Tell your doctor if you smoke and if you stop or start smoking while using this medication.

This medication and similar H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine) are available both with and without a prescription. Do not use them at the same time.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness.

For best results, this medication is often used along with lifestyle changes such as stress-reduction programs, exercise, and diet changes. Talk to your health care professional about changes that might benefit you.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., endoscopy, kidney function tests) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store the premixed solution at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Store the vials at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Store the mixed solution at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. Discard any unused drug 48 hours after preparation. Consult your pharmacist for details. Do not refrigerate vials or solution. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.