Tagamet is used for treatment and prevention of ulcers of the stomach and small intestine, and treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Drug Uses
Tagamet is used for treatment and prevention of 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.

How Taken
Use Tagamet as directed by your doctor. Take Tagamet with or without a meal. Do not take directly with antacids. Separate doses by at least 1 hour. If you are also taking a cephalosporin antibiotic (eg, cephalexin), itraconazole, or ketoconazole, take it 2 hours before Tagamet.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Tagamet, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Tagamet, if you have liver or kidney problems, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Tagamet during pregnancy. Tagamet is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Tagamet. Some medicines may interact with Tagamet. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not use Tagamet if you are also taking medicine for cancer (nitrosoureas) or if you are taking cisapride, dofetilide, or a nitrosoureas (eg, carmustine). It may be necessary to make significant lifestyle changes to assist in the treatment and prevention of ulcers and other digestive problems that include stress–reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes. Never self–diagnose or self–treat ulcers with this or any other medicine. Notify your doctor if you experience black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Tagamet. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products while taking Tagamet. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be necessary if you are also taking zaleplon. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Tagamet and might require a lower dose. Use Tagamet with extreme caution in children younger than 16 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), agitation, anxiety, breast enlargement, breast lumps, confusion, depression, disorientation, fatigue, hallucinations, hair loss, joint or muscle pain, pain, redness or swelling at injections site, skin flushing or redness, sexual difficulties, slow or fast heartbeat.

Storage
Store Tagamet at 59 – 86 °F (15 – 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Tagamet out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Tagamet overdose are- difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, restlessness, tremors, vomiting.

More Information
Tagamet may cause dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may worsen if Tagamet is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Tagamet with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Tagamet should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.