Cimetidine

Cimetidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist which rapidly inhibits both basal and stimulated gastric secretion of acid and reduces pepsin output. Cimetidine is indicated in the treatment duodenal and benign gastric ulceration including that associated with non-steroidal inflammatory agents recurrent and stomal ulceration, oesophageal reflux disease and other conditions where reduction of gastric acid by Cimetidine has been shown to be beneficial: persistent dyspeptic symptoms with or without ulceration, particularly meal-related upper abdominal pain, including such symptoms associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents; the prophylaxis of gastro-intestinal haemorrhage from stress ulceration in seriously ill patients; before general anaesthesia in patients thought to be at risk of acid aspiration (Mendelson’s) syndrome, particularly obstetric patients during labour; to reduce malabsorption and fluid loss in the short bowel syndrome; and in pancreatic insufficiency to reduce degradation of enzyme supplements.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Cimetidine tablets are indicated in: 1. Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer. Most patients heal within 4 weeks and there is rarely reason to use cimetidine tablets at full dosage for longer than 6 to 8 weeks (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Duodenal Ulcer ).

Concomitant antacids should be given as needed for relief of pain. However, simultaneous administration of cimetidine tablets and antacids is not recommended, since antacids have been reported to interfere with the absorption of cimetidine.

2. Maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of active ulcer. Patients have been maintained on continued treatment with cimetidine tablets 400 mg at bedtime for periods of up to 5 years. 3. Short-term treatment of active benign gastric ulcer.

There is no information concerning usefulness of treatment periods of longer than 8 weeks. 4. Erosive gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopy. Treatment is indicated for 12 weeks for healing of lesions and control of symptoms.

CIMETIDINE (Cimetidine) is primary therapy - for conditions where the inhibition of gastric acid secretion is likely to be beneficial such as: • Duodenal ulcer therapy. • Non-malignant gastric ulcer therapy. • Prophylaxis of recurrent duodenal or gastric ulcer.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease. • Pathological hypersecretion associated with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, systemic mastocytosis and multiple endocrine adenomas. • Treatment of NSAID-induced lesions (ulcers, erosions) and gastrointestinal symptoms and prevention of their recurrence.

• Adjunctive therapy in the management of cystic fibrosis in children. 1 Pediatrics Pediatrics (16 to 18 years of age): Based on the data submitted and reviewed by Health Canada, the safety and efficacy of cimetidine in pediatric patients has been established.

Therefore, Health Canada has authorized an indication for pediatric use. 1 Adverse Reaction Overview. 2 Geriatrics Geriatrics (>65 years of age): No data are available to Health Canada; however, evidence suggests that use in the geriatric population is associated with differences in safety.