ACID REDUCER

Drug Name: ACID REDUCER

ACID REDUCER DESCRIPTION:
CIMETIDINE - ORAL (sye-MET-uh-deen)

COMMON ACID REDUCER BRAND NAME(S):
Tagamet

ACID REDUCER SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, sleepiness, dry skin or dry mouth may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Hair loss, increased sweating, anxiety, change in sex drive, breast enlargement in males and change in taste perceptions may also occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop a skin rash, hives, a change in heartbeat, jaundice, diarrhea, mental confusion, depression, difficulty walking, vision changes, trouble urinating, joint or muscle pain, ringing in the ears or breathing difficulty while taking ACID REDUCER. Notify your doctor immediately if you notice black, tarry stools or "coffee ground" vomit which may suggest bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ACID REDUCER:
ACID REDUCER: ACID REDUCER is taken by mouth. Take this as directed. Do not increase your dose, take this more often than prescribed or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor. If you are taking antacids in addition to this medication, stagger the doses so they are not taken at the same time. Try to space dosing of ACID REDUCER and antacids by at least 2 hours.

ACID REDUCER USES:
Cimetidine blocks secretion of acid from the stomach. Prescription cimetidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers; to treat gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD); and to treat conditions associated with excessive acid secretion (e.g., Zollinger-Ellision Syndrome). Nonprescription cimetidine is used to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.

OTHER USES OF ACID REDUCER:
ACID REDUCER may also be used treat skin rashes caused by allergic conditions.

ACID REDUCER PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease or any allergies. Do not change your dose without your doctor's approval. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. ACID REDUCER should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of ACID REDUCER are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ACID REDUCER DRUG INTERACTIONS:
ACID REDUCER can affect how your body responds to other medications. It is important to tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including antacids, alcohol, heart medication, blood thinners, medication for anxiety, blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, depression, narcotic pain relievers, ketoconazole, itraconazole and theophylline. Cigarette smoking can affect ACID REDUCER. Tell your doctor if you smoke and if you stop or start smoking while using this medication. ACID REDUCER is available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations. Do not take both at the same time. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ACID REDUCER OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, tremors, vomiting, restlessness, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness.

ACID REDUCER NOTES:
For best results, ACID REDUCER is often used along with lifestyle changes such as stress-reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes. Talk to your health care professional about changes that you can benefit from. Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking ACID REDUCER to monitor results and prevent side effects.

MISSED ACID REDUCER DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ACID REDUCER STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.