Cimetidine
(sye-met-i-deen)
Description: Antacid (Histamine-2 blocker)
Other Names forthis Medication: Tagamet®
Common Dosage Forms: Veterinary: None. Human: 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, & 800 mg oral tablets; 300 mg/5 mL (60 mg/mL) oral liquid.

Key Information
Used to treat or prevent stomach ulcers. Usually given 30 minutes before a meal. If your animal vomits or acts sick after receiving the drug on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian. Medicine often needs to be given 2 to 4 times per day. Cimetidine interacts with many other medications. Cimetidine is available OTC (over-the-counter; without a prescription), but only give it to your animal if your veterinarian recommends it.

How is this medication useful?
Cimetidine is a medication used to prevent and/or treat stomach ulcers. The FDA has approved this drug for use in humans but it is not officially approved for use in animals. The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe products containing this drug in different species or for other conditions in certain situations. You and your veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.

How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
This medication should help your animal feel better within 1 to 2 hours. Your animal’s clinical signs should improve after that time. The effects of this medication are short-lived, meaning they will stop working within 24 hours, although the benefits may be prolonged if your animal has decreased kidney and/or liver function.

How should this medication be given?
For this medication to work, give it exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Do not cut or break tablets unless instructed to by your veterinarian or pharmacist. It is a good idea to always check the prescription label to be sure you are giving the drug correctly. Cimetidine should be given about 30 minutes before a meal, usually the first meal of the day. If your animal vomits or acts sick after getting it on an empty stomach, give it with the meal instead. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian. Liquid forms of this medication must be measured carefully.

Your veterinarian or pharmacist can help by providing special measuring spoons or syringes. Cats do not like the taste of cimetidine liquid and will drool excessively after this medication is given. You can ask your pharmacist or veterinarian about compounding capsules or specially flavored liquids that will make it easier to get your cat to take cimetidine. If you have difficulty getting your animal to take the medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist for tips to help dosing and reducing the stress of medication time. This medication can be given for various lengths of time. Be sure you understand how long your veterinarian wants you to continue giving this medication. Prescription refills may be necessary before the therapy will be complete. Before stopping this medication, talk to your veterinarian, as there may be important reasons to continue its use.

If you have any other questions about this medication, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist