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Interactions between Cimetidine and Lidosol

1 drug interaction and 14 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

cimetidine lidocaine topical

Applies to: cimetidine and Lidosol (lidocaine topical)
Monitor

Coadministration with cimetidine may increase the plasma concentration of topical lidocaine formulations. In a study of healthy volunteers, cimetidine increased the systemic exposure (AUC) of a 10% topical lidocaine spray applied to the pharynx by 1.5-fold. The proposed mechanism for this interaction is cimetidine-mediated inhibition of CYP450 1A2 and 3A4 which are involved in the metabolism of lidocaine. The degree of systemic absorption of topical lidocaine may be dependent on the duration of application and the applied surface area.

Management

The potential for an interaction should be considered during concomitant use of cimetidine and topical lidocaine formulations. If coadministration is required, patients should be monitored for lidocaine-related adverse effects or toxicities including drowsiness, mental status change, or tremor.

References (5)
  1. (2023) "Product Information. LMX 4 (lidocaine topical)." Ferndale Pharmaceuticals Ltd
  2. (2021) "Product Information. Versatis (lidocaine topical)." Seqirus Pty Ltd
  3. (2024) "Product Information. Xylocaine Topical (lidocaine topical)." Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd
  4. Parish RC, Gotz VP, Lopez LM, Mehta JL, Curry SH (1987) "Serum lidocaine concentrations following application to the oropharynx: effects of cimetidine" Ther Drug Monit, 9, p. 292-7
  5. (2026) "Product Information. Lidomedix (camphor/lidocaine/menthol topical)." Absolute Therapeutics, LLC

Food/lifestyle interactions

Minor food/lifestyle interactions

Minor:

lidocaine topical Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Lidosol (lidocaine topical)

Theoretically, grapefruit, grapefruit juice, grapefruit hybrids, starfruit, and Seville oranges may increase the plasma concentrations of topical lidocaine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. In a drug study when a single dose of intravenous lidocaine was coadministered with potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitors, erythromycin and itraconazole, lidocaine plasma clearance was reduced by 9 to 18% in healthy subjects. The degree of systemic absorption of topical lidocaine is dependent on the duration of application, the applied surface area, and the integrity of the application site. The risk of systemic lidocaine absorption may be greater when topical lidocaine is applied to areas of high systemic absorption (e.g., mucous membranes) with repeated doses over a long period of time. However, the clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

References (2)
  1. (2025) "Product Information. Seaford Nifedipine and Lidocaine (lidocaine-nifedipine topical)." Seaford Pharmaceuticals Inc
  2. (2026) "Product Information. Lidomedix (camphor/lidocaine/menthol topical)." Absolute Therapeutics, LLC
Minor:

cimetidine Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: cimetidine

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

cimetidine Caffeine

Applies to: cimetidine

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

cimetidine Nicotine

Applies to: cimetidine

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

Disease interactions

10 potential interactions Applies to: 8 conditions, including Seizures, Hemodialysis, Liver Disease, Heart Block, and Shock.

Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Major:

cimetidine

Cimetidine has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

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.

Heart Block

Major:

Lidosol

The lidocaine topical in Lidosol has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

Lidocaine is absorbed through intact skin and mucosal membranes following topical administration. Prolonged exposure, large doses, frequent applications and/or use on compromised skin or mucosa can produce systemic effects. At high plasma levels, lidocaine can cause hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Therapy with lidocaine topical should be administered cautiously in patients with shock, sinus bradyarrhythmia, or severe heart block. The recommended dosage should not be exceeded. Children and debilitated, elderly, or acutely ill patients should be given reduced dosages commensurate with their age, weight, and physical condition.

Hemodialysis

Moderate:

cimetidine

Cimetidine has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

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

Liver Disease

Major:

cimetidine

Cimetidine has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

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.

Major:

Lidosol

The lidocaine topical in Lidosol has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Lidocaine topical is absorbed through intact skin and mucosal membranes. Prolonged exposure, large doses, and/or application to compromised skin or mucosa can result in elevated plasma concentrations of lidocaine. Lidocaine is rapidly and extensively metabolized by the liver. Less than 10% is eliminated unchanged in the urine. Several inactive and two active forms (MEGX and GX) have been identified. MEGX and GX exhibit antiarrhythmic and convulsant properties. The pharmacokinetic disposition of lidocaine is altered by changes in hepatic function, including hepatic blood flow. Therapy with lidocaine topical should be administered cautiously and dosing modified for patients with compromised hepatic function.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

Lidosol

The lidocaine topical in Lidosol has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Lidocaine topical is absorbed through intact skin and mucosal membranes. Prolonged exposure, large doses, and/or application to compromised skin or mucosa can result in elevated plasma concentrations of lidocaine. Lidocaine is primarily eliminated by the kidney. Less than 10% is eliminated unchanged in the urine. Two active metabolites (MEGX and GX) have been identified that exhibit antiarrhythmic and convulsant properties. Serum concentrations of lidocaine and the active metabolites are increased and the half-life prolonged in patients with renal impairment. Therapy with lidocaine topical should be administered cautiously and dosing modified for repeated doses in patients with compromised renal function.

Moderate:

cimetidine

Cimetidine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

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.

Seizures

Major:

Lidosol

The lidocaine topical in Lidosol has a major potential interaction with Seizures.

Lidocaine topical is absorbed through intact skin and mucosal membranes. Prolonged exposure, large doses, and/or application to compromised skin or mucosa can result in elevated plasma concentrations of lidocaine. Seizures can occur as a result of accumulation of active metabolites. Therapy with lidocaine topical should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to seizure disorders.

Shock

Major:

Lidosol

The lidocaine topical in Lidosol has a major potential interaction with Shock.

Lidocaine is absorbed through intact skin and mucosal membranes following topical administration. Prolonged exposure, large doses, frequent applications and/or use on compromised skin or mucosa can produce systemic effects. At high plasma levels, lidocaine can cause hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Therapy with lidocaine topical should be administered cautiously in patients with shock, sinus bradyarrhythmia, or severe heart block. The recommended dosage should not be exceeded. Children and debilitated, elderly, or acutely ill patients should be given reduced dosages commensurate with their age, weight, and physical condition.

Teething Syndrome

Major:

Lidosol

The lidocaine topical in Lidosol has a major potential interaction with Teething Syndrome.

Topical lidocaine is not recommended to be used in teething infants and young children, as its ingestion is dangerous and potentially fatal. Ingestion of the drug has shown to result in seizures, severe brain injury, and heart problems in children.

More resources

cimetidine

A total of 494 drugs are known to interact with cimetidine.

Lidosol

A total of 121 drugs are known to interact with Lidosol.

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.