CimetidineOver the counter

Pronounced sy-MET-i-deen

Brand names: Tagamet

Type: H2 blocker (acid reducer) · All Digestive (GI) Medicines

What Cimetidine is used for

  • Heartburn
  • Stomach and intestinal ulcers
  • Acid reflux

◆ Kidney note

Cleared by the kidneys — the dose is lowered when kidney function is reduced; it also raises the creatinine reading slightly without truly harming the kidney.

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Breast enlargement in men with long use

Important cautions

  • Interacts with very many medicines because it slows their breakdown — a full medication review matters, and famotidine is usually preferred today

How it comes

Tablets, liquid. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.