Cimetidine

It competitively inhibits histamine induced gastric secretion. All phases (basal, psychic, neurogenic, gastric) of secretion are suppresse whereas it has no effect on gastric and esophageal motility.

Indications

Duodenal, gastric, recurrent & stomal ulceration. Oesophageal reflux diseases &other conditions where a reduction of gastric acid is beneficial including persistent dyspeptic symptoms. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Stress ulcers and gastritis.

Dosage

Benign gastric ulcer : 400 mg twice at breakfast & bedtime. Acute duodenal ulcer : 800 mg at bed time. Prophylaxis of recurrent duodenal ulcer maint dose of 400 mg at bed time. Peptic oeophagitis: 0.8-1.6 gm daily. Persistent dyspeptic symptoms: 200 mg 4 times daily. Max. period of treatment should be 4 wks. 800-1600 mg/day depending on severity of symptom, has to be given in 4 divided doses. Maintenance 400 mg at bedtime. Injection : Children : 20-25 mg/kg body wt. Neonates:10-15mg/kg bod

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

Exclude presence of gastric malignancy. Impaired renal function, i.v. injecton by slow infusion. Pregnancy: Safety not established. Lactation: Present in breast milk. No known effect on the baby. Elderly: Dosage may have to be reduced.

Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, bowel upset, rash, diarrhoea, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, convulsions. Gynaecomastia. Sodium & water retention. Impotence.

Drug Interactions

Absorption reduced by antacids. Potentiate anticoagulants,phenytoin, theophylline, Benzodiazepines, Beta-blockers, Lignocaine, Procainamide.