Tagamet HB Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Tagamet HB

jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes
confusion
trouble breathing
hallucinating
aching of the joints or muscles
feeling depressed
tenderness or swelling of the breast (gynecomastia)
erectile dysfunction, inability to have sex
trouble urinating or not being able to urinate
dark, "tarry" stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds could signal gastrointestinal bleeding

Common Side Effects of Tagamet HB

drowsiness
headaches
feeling dizzy
different taste perception
feeling nervous
hair loss
more frequent sweating
change in desire or ability to have sex

If any of these symptoms persist or increase, call your healthcare provider at once. Some side effects of Tagamet HB may be similar to those of a heart attack. If you develop these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for immediate medical attention:

chest tension
pain from the chest, shoulder and arm
feeling dizzy
increased sweating
upset stomach or throwing up

Warnings & Recalls for Tagamet HB

Do not take antacids while taking Tagamet HB unless your doctor instructs you to do so. While taking Tagamet HB, patients may have an increased risk of being infected by the virus that can cause pneumonia. Patients who are older, have diabetes, or severe lung disease may be more likely to develop this illness while taking Tagamet HB. For safety purposes, let your doctor know if you have any of the following before using Tagamet HB:

any allergies
ever had unexplained rapid weight loss
indigestion combined with sweating or feeling dizzy
tumors
immune system deficiencies
bone marrow suppression
kidney or liver disease
diabetes
asthma or chronic lung disease
high blood pressure

Tell your doctor about any medicines you are using before taking Tagamet HB.

What Drugs can Interact with Tagamet HB?

Tagamet HB can interact with blood thinners (Warfarin), anxiety medications, and alcohol. The side effects of these drugs and Tagamet HB may be increased when combined. If you are taking any medicines, ask your doctor if it is safe to use Tagamet HB.

Is Tagamet HB Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

Tagamet HB is an FDA pregnancy Category B drug. Tagamet HB is not known to cause harm to the fetus while being taken by a pregnant woman. Tagamet HB may be passed through breast-milk and could harm a nursing baby. Before taking Tagamet HB, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Tagamet HB Treatment and Use

Tagamet HB | Cimetidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist medication which decreases acid production and is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline for the treatment of indigestion and acid reflux. Tagamet HB may also be used to treat the following:

stomach ulcers or bleeding
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
failure of the pancreas
bleeding of the esophagus
hives
ulcers caused by drugs similar to ibuprofen
benign tumors in hormone producing glands
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Tagamet HB should not be given to anyone under the age of 16 unless a doctor has instructed them to take this medication.

How Does Tagamet HB Work?

Tagamet HB works by blocking histamine receptors in the body. These histamine receptors in the stomach can have many effects including increasing levels of acid. Through Tagamet HB’s interference with these cells, less acid is produced and symptoms of heartburn or ulcers can be relieved and prevented.

Tagamet HB Dosage Information

Tagament HB is available in tablets or oral suspension (liquid). Dosage of Tagamet HB depends on the patients age, medical condition, and other medications being taken. Strength and frequency of doses vary in accordance to type of treatment needed (for ulcers or indigestion). Follow all instructions given to you by your doctor. Do not take more than recommended. Some patients my need to take Tagamet HB for a short period of time while others may need to take Tagamet HB for several weeks.

The typical recommended dose for patients treating ulcers is one 800mg before bed time or 300mg four times throughout the day.

For treating Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Tagamet HB is usually taken one 800mg dose twice per day or four doses of 400mg each day.

If you are taking over-the-counter Tagamet HB, do not take more than 2 doses in one day for treating indigestion.

Let your doctor know if you have any questions or feel that Tagamet HB is not relieving your symptoms.

Other Names for Tagamet HB

Brand name:

Tagamet HB

Generic name:

Cimetidine