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Drug Information
What is Tagamet used for?
This medicine is used to treat stomach and duodenal (upper small intestine ) ulcers, hypersecretory (increased acid secretion) conditions (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, or the bubbling of stomach contents into the food pipe, which causes heartburn). Doctors may prescribe it for other reasons like prevention of stress ulcers and acid aspiration pneumonitis..
When should Tagamet not be taken?
Do not take this medication if: you are allergic to this medicine, famotidine, nizatidine, or ranitidine.
What precautions should I follow when taking Tagamet?
Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking, will be taking or stop taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical conditions like kidney disease, liver disease
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Tagamet?
Do not take this medicine if you take the following drugs: warfarin-type anticoagulants, phenytoin, propranolol, chlordiazepoxide, lidocaine, diazepam, theophylline, and nifedipine.
What are the side effects of Tagamet?
Most severe: Skin rashes, hair loss
Most common: Mental confusion; agitation; depression; anxiety; hallucinations; disorientation; breast growth in males; fast heartbeat; reversible joint pain and muscle pain; rash; dead tissues; sexual difficulties; breast lumps (males and females); flushing or redness of skin; skin rash; hair loss; allergic reaction (redness, itching, hives).
Other: Urinary retention, hepatitis, transient increase in serum transaminase levels
How should I take Tagamet?
How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take without regard to meals. Do not take directly with antacids; separate doses by at least 1 hour. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist. It may be necessary to make significant lifestyle changes to assist in the treatment and prevention of ulcers and other digestive problems that include stress-reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes. Never self-diagnose or self-treat ulcers with this or any other medicine. Notify your doctor if there are any symptoms that suggest a bleeding ulcer, such as black, tarry stools or "coffee-ground" vomit. Lab tests may be required. Be sure to keep appointments.
How should Tagamet be stored?
Store at room temperature (59 to 86 degrees F) in a tight container away from light.
General Information:
If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
