Tagamet (Cimetidine) is a prescription medication used to treat stomach and intestine ulcers and to prevent them once they have healed. This medication also treats certain stomach and esophagus problems caused by too much stomach acid or acid reflux disease. Tagamet also prevents serious acid damage to the digestive system and decreases extra stomach acid to relieve symptoms like stomach pain, cough, heartburn, and swallowing difficulties. This drug also prevents heartburn and indigestion caused by certain foods and beverages. Tagamet improves the absorption of food and reduces fluid loss in short bowel syndrome. The medication reduces the breakdown of pancreatic enzyme supplements in patients with pancreatic problems. The active ingredient in Tagamet is Cimetidine. Cimetidine belongs to a class of drugs called H2 receptor blockers. It works by interfering with gastric acid production and secretion pathways, thus decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach.

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Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Tagamet. The most common side effects of Tagamet may include the following:
• Breathing difficulties;
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Drowsiness;
• Headache;
• Hives

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, including:
• Breast swelling or tenderness;
• Dark urine;
• Irregular heartbeat;
• Joint or muscle pain;
• Mood changes including depression, hallucinations, and confusion;
• Nausea;
• Swallowing difficulties;
• Trouble urinating;
• Vomiting

These are not all of the side effects of Cimetidine. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not take Tagamet if you are allergic to Cimetidine or any ingredient in Tagamet. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you: • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed; • Are hypertensive; • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; • Are using NSAIDs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen; • Have a history of peptic ulcer; • Have diabetes; • Have gastric cancer; • Have immune system problems; • Have kidney or liver problems; • Have lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD; • Have or have had symptoms of indigestion Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Tagamet and other medicines, including warfarin, diazepam, theophylline, ketoconazole, morphine, and atazanavir. Tagamet should not be used in children and adolescents less than 16 years only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using Cimetidine. Cimetidine may harm the unborn baby. Tagamet is excreted in breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment. Tagamet is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machines. Use Tagamet and all medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, except it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Keep your Cimetidine pack out of reach and sight of children. Do not store this drug above 250C (770F). Keep the medicine in its original container and keep it tightly closed.

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