Tagamet

Tagamet is used for:

Treating and preventing ulcers of the stomach and small intestine, and treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may be used for treating esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) caused by acid reflux and certain conditions that cause increased acid secretion (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Tagamet is an H₂(histamine) blocker. It works by blocking one of the chemicals, histamine, that stimulates the release of acid into the stomach. This reduces acidity in the stomach.

Do NOT use Tagamet if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Tagamet
• you are taking medicine for cancer (nitrosoureas)
• you are taking cisapride, dofetilide, or a nitrosoureas (eg, carmustine)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Tagamet :

Some medical conditions may interact with Tagamet . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Tagamet . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Many prescription medicines (eg, those used for angina, asthma, arrhythmias, blood thinning, cancer, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, infections, pain, psychiatric disorders, seizures, other conditions) may interact with Tagamet , increasing the risk of side effects, some potentially life-threatening.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Tagamet may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.