Cimetidine
Also known as: Zitac, Tagamet
**Cimetidine** is used to treat stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid. * **Do not stop this medication abruptly**, as it can cause a rebound in stomach acid production. Your vet will likely instruct you to taper the dose gradually when stopping treatment. * If you are also giving sucralfate, antacids, or certain other medications, separate the doses by at least 2 hours to ensure both drugs are absorbed properly. * Side effects are rare, but contact your veterinarian if you notice any unusual signs, such as unexplained bruising (which could indicate low platelets) or swelling of the mammary glands in female dogs.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- All uses (gastritis, ulcers, oesophagitis, hypersecretory conditions)
- All uses (gastritis, ulcers, oesophagitis, hypersecretory conditions)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Thrombocytopenia (reported in dogs)
- Transient and self-resolving slight swelling of mammary glands (female dogs)
- Hepatotoxicity (rare, reported in humans)
- Nephrotoxicity (rare, reported in humans)
- Headache (humans)
- Decreased libido (humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- No specific contraindications available, but use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity.
- > **Warning:** Rebound gastric acid secretion may be seen on cessation of cimetidine, so therapy should be tapered. Concomitant treatment with sucralfate may be helpful. > **Warning:** If used IV, should be administered slowly over 30 minutes to prevent cardiac arrhythmias and hypotension. * Dosage should be reduced for animals with renal impairment.
Drug interactions
- Propranolol: Increases plasma levels of beta-blockers due to CYP450 inhibition
- Verapamil: Increases plasma levels of calcium-channel blockers
- Diazepam: Increases plasma levels of diazepam
- Lidocaine: Increases plasma levels of lidocaine
- Metronidazole: Increases plasma levels of metronidazole
- Pethidine: Increases plasma levels of pethidine
- Theophylline: Increases plasma levels of theophylline
- Myelosuppressive agents: May exacerbate leucopenia
- Sucralfate: May decrease cimetidine bioavailability; administer sucralfate at least 2 hours before
- Antacids: May decrease absorption; stagger oral doses by 2 hours
- Digoxin: Altered absorption/metabolism; stagger oral doses by 2 hours
- Itraconazole: Decreased absorption of itraconazole due to reduced gastric acidity; stagger oral doses by 2 hours
Frequently asked questions
What is Cimetidine used for in pets?
**Cimetidine** is used to treat stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid. * **Do not stop this medication abruptly**, as it can cause a rebound in stomach acid production. Your vet will likely instruct you to taper the dose gradually when stopping treatment. * If you are also giving sucralfate, antacids, or certain other medications, separate the doses by at least 2 hours to ensure both drugs are absorbed properly. * Side effects are rare, but contact your veterinarian if you notice any unusual signs, such as unexplained bruising (which could indicate low platelets) or swelling of the mammary glands in female dogs.
Is Cimetidine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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