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Tagamet HB and Alcohol/Food Interactions

There are 3 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with Tagamet HB (cimetidine).

Minor

cimetidine Caffeine

Minor Drug Interaction

Caffeine effects may be increased in patients also taking cimetidine. The mechanism may be due to decreased caffeine metabolism induced by cimetidine. Although adequate clinical data are lacking, a reduction in dose or elimination of caffeine may be needed if excess CNS stimulation is observed.

References

  1. "Product Information. Tagamet (cimetidine)." SmithKline Beecham PROD (2001):
  2. Broughton LJ, Rodgers HJ "Decreased systenuc clearance of caffeine due to cimetidine." Br J Clin Pharmacol 12 (1981): 155-9

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Minor

cimetidine Alcohol (Ethanol)

Minor Drug Interaction

Concurrent use of cimetidine and ethanol may result in increased ethanol concentrations. The mechanism appears to be due to inhibition of gastric alcohol dehydrogenase by cimetidine, leading to increased bioavailability of the alcohol and inhibition of hepatic metabolism of alcohol. The clinical significance of this interaction is limited. More importantly, patients requiring cimetidine for gastrointestinal disease should be counseled to avoid alcohol to prevent worsening of their disease. The other H-2 receptor antagonists appear to have minimal effects on the concentrations of alcohol.

References

  1. Feely J, Wood AJ "Effects of cimetidine on the elimination and actions of ethanol." JAMA 247 (1982): 2819-21
  2. Hansten PD "Effects of H2-receptor antagonists on blood alcohol levels." JAMA 267 (1992): 2469

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Minor

cimetidine Nicotine

Minor Drug Interaction

H2 antagonists may reduce the clearance of nicotine. Cimetidine, 600 mg given twice a day for two days, reduced clearance of an intravenous nicotine dose by 30%. Ranitidine, 300 mg given twice a day for two days, reduced clearance by 10%. The clinical significance of this interaction is not known. Patients should be monitored for increased nicotine effects when using the patches or gum for smoking cessation and dosage adjustments should be made as appropriate.

References

  1. Bendayan R, Sullivan JT, Shaw C, Frecker RC, Sellers EM "Effect of cimetidine and ranitidine on the hepatic and renal elimination of nicotine in humans." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 38 (1990): 165-9

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Tagamet HB drug interactions

There are 458 drug interactions with Tagamet HB (cimetidine).

Tagamet HB disease interactions

There are 4 disease interactions with Tagamet HB (cimetidine) which include:

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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