This article is about Tagamet, which contains the histamine H2 receptor blocker Cimetidine, which is an antiulcer medication. Tagamet has largely been replaced by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for peptic ulcer treatment, but it is still available as an OTC heartburn medication in many countries. The uses, dosage, contraindications, indications during pregnancy and lactation, and alternatives are discussed in the respective sections of the write-up.
What Is Tagamet 200mg?
Tagamet 200mg tablets are antiulcer medications that contain cimitidine, the H2 receptor blocker that competitively inhibits histamine by binding to the H2 receptor. Tagamet tablets are marketed and sold by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals and are available in strengths of 200mg and 400mg.
Mechanism Of Action
Cimetidine in Tagamet blocks the effects of histamine by attaching to an H2 receptor on the basolateral surface of the gastric parietal cells. As a result, stomach acid production decreases.
Ingredients
Tagamet Tablets come in two strengths.
Tablet Tagamet 200mg contains
Cimetidine................................... 200mg
Tablet Tagamet 400mg contains
Cimetidine..................................400mg
Tablet Tagamet 200mg Uses.
Tagamet 200mg is used to treat heartburn caused by excessive secretion of gastric acid and the following disease conditions:
- Heartburn
- Peptic ulcers
- Reflux Esophagitis
- Prevention of stress-related gastric ulcers
Contraindications.
The following are the Tagamet tablets 200mg contraindications:
If you have
- Blood in your stools (black or tarry stools) or if you have blood in your vomiting
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Pain or trouble trying to swallow food
- An unusual or allergic reaction to cimetidine
- Previous history of allergies with H2 receptor blockers
Dosage and Administration
Administration
Tagamet tablets are most effective when taken at bedtime or within 30 minutes of a meal. Don't chew the tablet; instead, swallow it with a sip of water, which works best.
Dosage
Adult Dose for Heartburn
200 mg orally 30 minutes before consuming foods or beverages
Maximum 2 tablets daily
Duration of treatment: up to 14 days
Adult Dose for Erosive Esophagitis
800 mg orally 2 times a day OR 400 mg orally 4 times a day
Duration of treatment: up to 12 weeks
Adult dose for GERD
800 mg orally 2 times a day OR 400 mg orally 4 times a day
Duration of treatment: up to 12 weeks
Adult Dose for Gastric Ulcers
800 mg orally once a day at bedtime OR 300 mg orally 4 times a day (before meals or at bedtime).
Duration of Treatment: up to 8 weeks
Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer
800 to 1600 mg orally once a day at bedtime
Duration of treatment: up to 6 weeks
Prophylaxis of Duodenal Ulcers
400 mg orally once a day before bedtime
Duration of Treatment: up to 5 Years
Kindly follow your physician's guidelines for the dosage of the medicine.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose of this medication as soon as you remember. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed one and resume your regular dosing regimen. Avoid doubling the doses.
Indications During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Tagamet does not pose a serious risk to the growth and development of the fetus during the first trimester. No adverse reactions have been reported when Tagamet was administered intravenously during pregnancy. However, the use of tagamet during pregnancy has not been extensively studied.
Pregnancy Category
Category B
Do not take this medication if you are pregnant unless it is clearly necessary or advised by your gynecologist.
Lactation
Tagamet is excreted in human milk and is unlikely to harm breastfed infants, particularly those over 2 months of age. However, as Tagamet has the potential to inhibit the function of liver enzymes, other medications may be more suitable for breastfeeding babies.
Tagamet Alternatives That Are Safe
- Famotidine
- Omeprazole
- Pantoprazole
- Sucralfate
Tagamet Tablet 200mg Side Effects
The common side effects that can occur with the use of Tablet Tagamet 200mg include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Agitation
- Breast swelling or tenderness (in men)
- Joint or muscle pain
- Skin rash
Interactions
- Cisapride
- Dofetilide
- Pimozide
- Caffeine
- Carbamazepine
- Delavirdine
- Oral contraceptive pills
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Phenytoin
- Theophylline
- Warfarin
Pro Advice 💡
In case of heartburn, indigestion, or reflux, here are some informational tips for you.
- Avoid lying down for three hours after a meal.
- Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid pressure on your abdomen.
- Lose excess weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Elevate your head while sleeping.
Several types of food can cause acid reflux and heartburn. Avoid these foods.
- Fatty or fried foods
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Carbonated beverages, such as soda
- Chocolate
- Garlic
- Onions
- Citrus fruits
- Tomato sauce
Price
PKR 101.2 Per Pack (20 Tablets).
Price Reference: Servaid Pharmacy
Other Alternative Medicines
FAQs
Q1. What is Tagamet used for?
Ans. Tagamet is used to treat heartburn caused by excessive secretion of gastric acid and the following disease conditions, namely
- Heartburn
- Peptic ulcers
- Reflux Esophagitis
- Prevention of stress-related gastric ulcers
Q2. Are Zantac and Tagamet the same thing?
Ans. While Zantac and Tagamet are both members of the same H2 receptor blocker class and both suppress stomach acid production, they are not the same medication. Zantac contains ranitidine, while Tagamet contains cimetidine.
Q3. Is Tagamet the same as Nexium?
Ans. They both belong to different classes of drugs. Tagamet is a histamine H2 receptor blocker, while Nexium contains the generic esomeprazole, which is a proton pump inhibitor. Although both are used for heartburn and peptic ulcer treatment, their mechanisms of action are different.
Q4. Is Tagamet the same as Omeprazole?
Ans. No! Both drugs are different. Omeprazole belongs to the proton pump inhibitor category, while tagamet is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist. The mechanisms of action of both drugs are different.
Q5. Which is the safest anti-reflux medicine?
Ans. Antacids are the safest anti-reflux medicines with the lowest side effects.
Q6. Which is better for a gastric ulcer: a PPI or an H2 receptor blocker?
Ans. PPIs are superior to H2 receptor blockers at promoting stomach healing and preventing ulcers and bleeding.
Q7. Can I take Tagamet with omeprazole?
Ans. Yes, Tagamet can be taken together with omeprazole. No interactions were observed.
Q8. Is Tagamet good for indigestion?
Ans. Tagamet can also be obtained over the counter (OTC) without a prescription, known as Tagamet HB. Tagamet is effective in providing relief from heartburn that is caused by an excess of stomach acid (acid digestion or acid reflux).
Q9. Can children take Tagamet?
Ans. Tagamet is generally not recommended for children under 16 years of age.
Q10. What is the common name for Tagamet?
Ans. The common name for Tagamet is Cimetidine, an H2 receptor blocker.
Q11. Is Tagamet a proton inhibitor?
Ans. Tagamet contains cimetidine, which is a histamine receptor antagonist.
Q12. Is tagamet safe for kidneys?
Ans. Tagamet excreted via the kidneys. The dose should be adjusted for patients who have renal impairment and those on hemodialysis.
Q13. Is Tagamet safe for the liver?
Ans. Dosage reductions are usually not needed, although tagamet (cimetidine) should be used with caution in people with liver disease. Tagamet (cimetidine) has also been linked to liver toxicity.
Q14. Can Tagamet (cimetidine) cause anxiety?
Ans. Mood or mental changes, e.g., anxiety, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, depression and nervousness, are some of the common nervous system side effects that are associated with Tagamet use.
Q15. How fast does Tagamet work?
Ans. It usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes for Tagamet to relieve the symptoms of heartburn.
References
Tagamet Oral: Uses, Side Effects and Interactions | WebMD [Internet] www.webmd.com [Last accessed: December 3, 2023].
Disclaimer
All information on the product's uses, dosage, side effects, formula, ingredients, indications, contraindications, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and whether it is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is based solely on material found on the internet. It is provided here for general education and information purposes only.
We cannot guarantee the accuracy of any of the information we publish on this website. All of the information material we published is based only on FDA-approved literature and is not intended to replace expert medical advice. Always seek expert medical advice from a healthcare provider before starting to use this medicine.
Dr. Mohd Kamran Karim
I am a professional doctor and an enthusiastic blogger who completed his graduation in 2013 (MBBS) and currently working as a post graduate clinical fellow. I am a medical professional with desired clinical expertise, and I want to utilize my knowledge & writing to advise my readers on how to use prescription and over-the-counter medications to minimize any adverse effects.