What it means
The first histamine-2 receptor antagonist. It is used for heartburn, reflux and ulcers, but newer drugs are usually chosen because cimetidine slows the liver's breakdown of many other drugs, such as warfarin, theophylline and phenytoin, raising their levels. It can cause confusion in older adults and, with long use, breast enlargement in men.
For the nurse
Check the client's other medicines for interactions. Watch older adults for new confusion; the Beers Criteria advise avoiding H2 blockers in people with delirium.
At a glance
| Drug class | histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Tagamet HB |
| Spanish | cimetidina |
| Also written | Tagamet |
Related terms
theophylline
A bronchodilator taken by mouth that relaxes and opens the airways, used long term for asthma and COPD.
famotidine
An H2 blocker, given by mouth or IV, that lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.
pantoprazole
A proton pump inhibitor, taken by mouth or IV, that strongly lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.