Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

Description

About

Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is used to prevent and treat stomach and/or intestinal ulcers. It can also relieve heartburn from acid reflux by decreasing the amount of acid being secreted in the stomach. Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is chemically composed of Cimetidine. It is taken orally according to the dosage prescribed by a doctor. Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is commonly taken once or twice a day. To prevent symptoms, it is taken 15 to 60 minutes before consuming food and/or drinks that may cause heartburn. Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S provides instant relief within an hour after consuming, unlike other antacids which may take several days to be fully effective. Its effectiveness may last up to 12 hours. Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is an antagonist of H2 receptors responsible for acid secretion in the stomach. The function of this receptor is blocked by Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S hence, providing relief.  

Dosage as well as the length of treatment with Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S, is dependent upon the patient’s medical condition and the patient’s response to Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S. If a patient is pregnant or planning to start a family then treatment with Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is to be taken under the advice of the doctor. If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. Do not take it if the time of your next dose is near. Headaches,stomach cramps are just a few of the common side effects seen while taking Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S, these effects tend to resolve on their own in a few days’ time.

Indications

Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is effective in treating the following conditions:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Esophagitis 
• Gastritis 
• Prophylaxis for GI bleeding
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• GI Ulceration due to NSAID use
• Stomach or intestinal ulceration
• Systemic mastocytosis 
• Dyspepsia 
• Heartburn

How Does Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S work

Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S has an antagonist effect on the H2-receptor located on the Gastric Parietal cell located in the stomach, blocking Histamine effects, this inhibition results in decreased gastric acid secretion in the stomach.

Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S also causes inhibition of Cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver responsible for drug metabolism and detoxification of foreign agents. This enzyme can be inhibited by drugs resulting in interactions among different medicines, producing side effects and decreased therapeutic effects. 

How To Use Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is available as

• Tablet – 200 mg
• Suspension -100 mg/ 5 ml

Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is taken orally with a glass of water, in the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than recommended. Doses are individualized, which may be single (once daily) or divided doses (commonly morning and at night doses) as per the patient’s condition. The oral suspension contains 100 mg of cimetidine per 5 ml and is commonly prescribed to children.

Adult Dose

Following doses are generally recommended for the given conditions:

Prevention of Heartburn/ indigestion/ dyspepsia: 1 tablet 30-60 minutes before meals or a meal likely to trigger acid reflux and gastric pain.

Gastric ulcers/ GERD: 1 tablet- 200 mg orally at an interval of 12 hours, usually in the morning and at bedtime.

Duodenal ulcers: 1 tablet- 200 mg at bedtime

Maintenance of healing ulcers:  Once daily after your last meal of the day or at bedtime.

Avoid taking more than 2 tablets in a day unless advised by the doctor. The maximum safe dose must not exceed 2.4 grams (2400 mg) in a day. 

Pediatric Dose

Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S should not be given to children under 12 years. The recommended dose is 20-40 mg/kg for GI ulceration in divided doses, commonly twice a day. Avoid using household spoons, a calibrated spoon available with Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S must be carefully measured to take out Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S, usually one spoonful or as advised. 

Geriatric Dose

Due to potential side effects, Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is not recommended for use in elderly patients. 

Contraindications

Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S should be avoided in following conditions:

• Allergy to the contents of Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S 
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Hepatic insufficiency
• Renal impairment 

Precautions

While taking Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S caution must be exercised under the following conditions:

• In case of pregnancy or if you are planning to conceive, consult your doctor at once.
• Any kidney or liver disease, acute or chronic, may produce symptoms or cause an exacerbation of side effects.
• If you are also taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) regular monitoring of blood ranges for INR and PT may be required along with dose adjustment done by your doctor. 
• If your symptoms or health condition do not improve after this medication or get worse, contact your doctor.

Interactions With Other Medications

Following medicines if taken concomitantly may be influenced by Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S some of which are:

• Anticoagulants (coumarin, warfarin,clopidogrel, etc)
• Antifungals (ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole etc)
• Antivirals – NNRTIs (delavirdine)
• Other antacids (sucralfate) or H2 receptor blockers ( famotidine, ranitidine compound, etc)
• Tranquilisers like Benzodiazepines (midazolam, triazolam etc)
• Anti psychotics (pimozide)
• Beta-blockers (propranolol, metoprolol)
• Phenytoin 
• Oral hypoglycemics (metformin)

Adverse Effects

Some of the adverse effects observed with Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S are: 

Common Adverse Effects

These tend to subside within a few days period, consult a doctor if these persist or get worse, these include:

• Allergy 
• Abdominal pain 
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Skin rash

Rare Adverse Effects

Consult your physician in case you notice these symptoms: 

• Blurred vision
• Gynaecomastia 
• Decrease in libido (males)
• Confusion
• Hallucinations 
• Mood changes 
• Dizziness 
• Dyspnea 
• Fever / chills
• Arrhythmias
• Color changes of urine
• Profuse sweating 

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

Acid regurgitation is a common occurrence and therapy may be required for it. Classified as Pregnancy risk category B by FDA (which means no harmful effects were observed during controlled trials in animal studies, having said that in case of pregnancy, consult your doctor regarding the safety), cimetidine contained in the Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is known to cross the placenta as well as secreted into breast milk, henceforth breastfeeding is not advised while undergoing treatment with Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S. All the risks must be discussed beforehand.

How To Deal With Some Side Effects

• Feeling drowsy – If the medication makes you feel drowsy or sleepy, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
• Headaches- In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea –Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water. If you have diarrhea replenish with plenty of water or other fluids. 
• Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak –If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
• Muscular Aches And Pains- A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.
• Constipation- Can be combated by adding more fibers to the patient’s diet, asking the patient to drink plenty of fluids, and increasing their physical activity to trigger contractions in the intestines.
• Flatulence- This can be eased by consuming smaller, more frequent meals that don’t trigger your flatulence.Getting a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise has shown great results in combating flatulence. 
• Heartburn – can be dealt with by chewing on mint-flavored gum that’ll help neutralize the acid in the body. Standing up straighter, adding ginger to the daily diet, elevating the patient’s upper body, and having licorice supplements has shown to provide relief.
• Skin Rash- can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream. Apply a cold compress to rash helps reduce itchiness and redness caused by rash. An antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.
• Change in taste- this tends to go away as soon as the patient stops taking the medicine but while treatment; saltwater with baking soda (half a teaspoon of salt and baking soda in water) rinses and chewing on sugar free gum can help dissipate the change in taste.
• Flu-like symptoms- To manage symptoms, patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest and sleep. Take an antihistamine, a nasal decongestant, or a lozenge to feel better when needed.
• Dryness- apply a moisturizer to the skin and wait for 10-15 minutes after which apply Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S on to the skin.This will prevent skin from getting dry and flaky.
• Redness Of The Skin- This can be combated by applying a cold pack to the affected area.

Key facts about Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

• Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is used to prevent and treat stomach and/or intestinal ulcers, heartburn from acid reflux.
•  Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is chemically composed of Cimetidine. 
• It is taken orally according to the dosage prescribed by a doctor, usually taken once or twice a day.
• Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S works by blocking H2-receptors located in the stomach which inhibition results in decreased gastric acid secretion in the stomach.
• Headaches, stomach cramps, just a few of the common side effects seen while taking Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

FAQs

#1. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

In case of too much consumption by accident, kindly contact your doctor or nearby hospital straight away. The amount of medication that can result in severe side effects varies from person to person. An overdose results in slowing down the heart rate and difficulty breathing accompanied by dizziness.

#2. WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE OF Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next dosage time or the next day, do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule.

#3. HOW TO STORE Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S must be stored in a sealed container away from children and direct sunlight. The temperature must be maintained between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. Do not freeze Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S. Make sure to discard any remaining product after completion of your treatment. 

#4.WILL Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S AFFECT MY SEXUAL ACTIVITY

Cimetidine contained in Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S also possesses anti-androgen activity which may disturb hormonal balance therefore, it can cause a decrease in libido in some male patients. Discuss with your doctor. 

#5. WHAT LAB TESTS WILL BE PRESCRIBED WHILE TREATMENT WITH Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S AND HOW OFTEN 

If you are taking anticoagulants as well, prothrombin time and INR will have to be monitored due to the increased risk of bleeding. The physician is likely to prescribe lab tests to monitor and review the patient’s blood glucose levels, kidney functions, liver functions, and blood pressure levels especially in cases of long-term treatment. 

#6. IS IT SAFE TO HAVE PAINKILLERS WHILE TAKING Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

Yes. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol are safe to be ingested along with Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S under the supervision of a doctor. However, it is best to avoid those NSAIDs likely to trigger acid reflux or ulceration. 

#7. IS IT SAFE TO HAVE Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S ALONG WITH ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Yes, there is no evidence to suggest that Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S interacts with oral contraceptives. A complete list of drugs you are currently taking should be provided and discussed with your doctor.

#8. IS IT SAFE TO HAVE ANTACIDS FOR INDIGESTION ALONG WITH Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

No, as certain antacids or acidity medicines can interact with Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S aggravating side effects, it is best to avoid unless advised by your doctor.

#9. CAN Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S CAUSE DIZZINESS? IF SO, HOW SHOULD I MANAGE IT

Yes, It can cause dizziness as one of the side effects, although not common. If this happens, you should sit or lie down until the symptoms pass. However, please note this is temporary and usually goes away as the treatment continues. It is also advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol during the course of your treatment, as it may worsen the dizziness.

#10. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

In case of too much consumption by accident, kindly contact your doctor or nearby hospital straight away. The amount of medication that can result in severe side effects varies from person to person. An overdose results in slowing down of heart rate and difficulty breathing accompanied by dizziness and fainting spells.

#11. WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE OF Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next dosage time or the next day, do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule.

#12. CAN I TAKE Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S DURING MY PREGNANCY

Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is classified as pregnancy category B by FDA (that is no fetal risks were found during controlled trials). It is advised to first discuss with your doctor. 

#13. WILL Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S AFFECT MY FERTILITY

Although there isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest impairment of fertility in males, cimetidine can affect sperm quality with long-term treatment due to its anti-androgenic effect.

#14. WHAT LAB TESTS WILL BE PRESCRIBED WHILE TREATMENT WITH Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S AND HOW OFTEN

If you are also taking anticoagulants, due to documented drug interactions, your doctor will advise you to check prothrombin time and INR. this will require regular monitoring due to an increased risk of bleeding. 

#16. IS IT SAFE TO HAVE PAINKILLERS WHILE TAKING Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

Yes. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol are safe to be ingested along with Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S under the supervision of a doctor. Although other NSAIDs which can trigger ulceration and acid reflux should be best avoided unless advised by your doctor.

#17. IS IT SAFE TO HAVE ANTACIDS FOR INDIGESTION ALONG WITH Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

Some antacids or other acidity drugs may interact with Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S and are therefore consult your doctor.

#18. CAN Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S CAUSE DIZZINESS? IF SO, HOW SHOULD I MANAGE IT

Yes, It can cause dizziness although not a very common side effect. If this happens, you should sit or lie down until the symptoms pass. However, please note this is temporary and usually goes away as the treatment continues. It is also advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol during the course of your treatment, as it may worsen the dizziness.

#19. DOES Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S CAUSE ADDICTION

No, this drug has shown no evidence to prove addiction of any kind in any patient.

#20. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO CONTINUE TAKING THE MEDICATION

Treatment duration may vary depending on your condition. Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S is prescribed usually for 2-3 weeks or as advised by your doctor.

#21. CAN I CONSUME ALCOHOL WITH Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S

Alcohol is known to make an individual dizzy, thus if taken with the medication may lead to extreme dizziness. It is best to avoid the intake of alcohol during the course of your treatment.

#22. IS Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S SAFE TO GIVE TO ELDERLY PATIENTS

No, due to the increased risk of side effects, elderly patients should not use Tagamet 200mg Tablet 20 ‘S