This article describes cimetidine oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for cimetidine. To learn more about cimetidine oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
Cimetidine oral tablet is a generic medication. Prescription strength cimetidine is not available as a brand-name version. There is a brand-name over-the-counter (OTC) version of cimetidine called Tagamet HB. This article describes dosages of prescription strength cimetidine oral tablet.
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Form and strengths of cimetidine
Cimetidine oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 200 milligrams (mg), 300 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg
Dosage of cimetidine
This article describes the recommended dosages for cimetidine oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of cimetidine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of cimetidine in adults
Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of cimetidine oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
The table below shows the recommended dosage options for cimetidine oral tablet in adults. Strength is measured in mg.
Dosage for gastroesophageal reflux disease and other conditions
The usual recommended dosages of cimetidine for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in adults are:
| Condition | Recommended dosage options | Maximum recommended duration |
|---|---|---|
| treating erosion in the esophagus due to GERD | • 800 mg twice per day • 400 mg four times per day | 12 weeks |
| short-term treatment of ulcers in the stomach | • 800 mg once per day at bedtime • 300 mg four times per day, with meals and at bedtime | 6 weeks |
| short-term treatment of ulcers in the upper part of the small intestine | • 800 mg once per day at bedtime • 1,600 mg once per day at bedtime • 300 mg four times per day, with meals and at bedtime • 400 mg twice per day, in the morning and at bedtime | 8 weeks |
| reducing the risk of another ulcer in the upper part of the small intestine | 400 mg once per day at bedtime | up to 5 years |
| treating certain conditions related to too much stomach acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | • 300 mg four times per day with meals and at bedtime, up to a maximum of 2,400 mg total per day | as long as needed |
Dosages of cimetidine in children
Cimetidine oral tablet may be prescribed for children ages 16 years and older for the same conditions as in adults and at the same dosages. For details about these dosages, see the “Usual recommended dosages of cimetidine in adults” section above.
In rare cases, a dosage based on body weight may be used in children. This dosage is provided in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight per day. One kg is about 2.2 pounds. A dosage of 20 to 40 mg/kg/day has been used in some children.
Dosage adjustments for cimetidine
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of cimetidine oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have, including liver or kidney problems
Missed dose of cimetidine
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of cimetidine oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of cimetidine oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about cimetidine oral tablet and its dosage.
How does the dosage of OTC cimetidine compare with the dosage of prescription strength cimetidine?
OTC cimetidine is available in 100 mg and 200 mg tablets only. Prescription strength tablets are available in 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg tablets. The maximum daily dosage of OTC cimetidine is 400 mg. Based on certain digestive conditions, the maximum daily dose of prescription cimetidine could be up to 2,400 mg.
How does the dosage of cimetidine compare with the dosage of Zantac?
It depends. Zantac is a common brand name for ranitidine. But Zantac and ranitidine are no longer on the market.
Both ranitidine and cimetidine oral tablet are in a group of drugs known as H2 blockers. Other examples of H2 blockers include famotidine (Pepcid) and nizatidine (Axid AR).
All of these H2 blockers work in a similar way. And any of them may be used to treat certain stomach conditions, including ulcers and acid reflux.
But the dosages of these products differ. The dosages may vary based on:
- the dosage forms and strengths of the product
- why you’re prescribed the medication
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- how you respond to the drug
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of cimetidine oral tablet or how it compares to the dosage of other H2 blockers. Your doctor can also discuss whether one H2 blocker is a better choice than another for your condition.
For more details about how cimetidine oral tablet compares with other medications for heartburn and GERD, see this article.
Is cimetidine taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe cimetidine oral tablet as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use, such as for several weeks.
Still, there may be some reasons why your doctor prescribes cimetidine oral tablet for longer.
If you have questions about how long you need to take cimetidine oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How cimetidine is taken
You’ll swallow cimetidine oral tablet one to four times per day, depending on how your doctor prescribes it.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If you take cimetidine oral tablet once per day, your doctor will likely tell you to take it at bedtime. If you take it four times per day, your doctor will likely tell you to take it with meals and at bedtime.
If you’re taking cimetidine oral tablet to treat an ulcer, your doctor may also tell you that you can take an antacid as needed for pain. But you should not take cimetidine oral tablet at the same time as an antacid. Antacids may affect how well cimetidine oral tablet is absorbed.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Cimetidine coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of cimetidine
It’s important that you do not take more cimetidine oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects or even death.
Symptoms of cimetidine overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- difficulty breathing
- fast heart rate
- difficulty thinking
- loss of consciousness
What to do if you take too much cimetidine
If you think you’ve taken too much cimetidine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for cimetidine oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of cimetidine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take cimetidine oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What dosage of cimetidine oral tablet is recommended for my condition?
- Is it safe to take an OTC version of cimetidine oral tablet for my condition instead of a prescription?
- Would you be adjusting my dosage of cimetidine oral tablet if I have other medical conditions or take certain medications?
- Should I keep taking cimetidine oral tablet if I no longer have symptoms?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.