Tagamet Disease Interactions

Cimetidine is partially metabolized by the liver, and to a greater extent when administered orally than when given intravenously. Although dosage reductions are generally not necessary, therapy with cimetidine should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease. Hepatotoxicity has been associated with cimetidine use. In addition, liver disease appears to be a risk factor for cimetidine-related central nervous system toxicity, which may include mental confusion, agitation, psychosis, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and disorientation. These effects are usually reversible within 3 to 4 days after discontinuation of therapy.

Histamine H2 receptor antagonists should not be used in the presence of vomit with blood, or bloody or black stools. These might be serious conditions and the diagnosis needs to be ruled out.

Cimetidine is partially removed by hemodialysis and should be administered after dialysis.

Cimetidine and its metabolites are primarily eliminated by the kidney. The daily dosage should initially be reduced in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (CrCl < 50 mL/min). If necessary, the daily dosage may be increased with caution. Renal dysfunction also appears to be a risk factor for cimetidine-related central nervous system toxicity, which may include mental confusion, agitation, psychosis, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and disorientation. These effects are generally reversible within 3 to 4 days after discontinuation of therapy.