Subject: Re: dependence on Tagamet?
Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic Area: Gastroenterology - General
Posted by HFHSM.D.-ym on February 25, 1999 at 23:05:44:
In Reply to: dependence on Tagamet? posted by JAL on February 25, 1999 at 12:32:50:

I have been taking about 4 300mg tablets per week for a condition I discussed in previous posts last year. I don't really feel it is acid related but it helps stop the symptoms and I don't seem to be having side effects. Before I started taking it I only had an acid problem or heartburn very rarely and had only taken anti-acids a couple of times in my life.

I am having some tests done and they told me not to take Tagamet (and Axcid, Pepcid, etc.) for a week beforehand. Yesterday I had the worst acid problem I have ever had. My throat was burning, my bowels were acting up and the stool was thin and burned.

Is it possible that it is related to my not taking Tagamet for a few days or is it just a coincidence?

Also, there is a small chance that I am pregnant (only a couple of weeks if I am). Could this be related? Is it OK to take Tagamet while pregnant?

Thanks for your help.

Dear JAL,

It is difficult to state with certainty whether or not your symptoms are related to discontinuation of Tagamet, pregnancy, foods you might have eaten during this period of time, food poisoning or a viral illness. If your symptoms return upon discontinuation of the drug and resolve with restarting the drug, it would suggest that cimetidine (Tagamet) seems to be controlling your symptoms. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is generally considered a very safe drug with few side effects. It can be prescribed for long periods of time without adverse reactions and is often used for maintenance therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease and in select patients with ulcers. Some patients with allergic conditions respond to histamine receptor blockers such as cimetidine. Since the drug has been around for quite some time there is a lot of experience with the use and side effect profile of this medication.

Cimetidine (Tagamet) is classified as a Category B drug. Studies performed in animals at doses up to 40 times the normal human dose have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to the Tagamet. On the other hand, no adequate and well controlled studies have been performed in pregnant women. There are a few published studies that suggest that ranitidine (Zantac) is safe during pregnancy. Ranitidine (Zantac)like cimetidine (Tagamet) is also a histamine receptor blocker.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

If you wish to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physician's Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.

HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: cimetidine, Tagamet

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