Histamine H 2-receptor Antagonists (Systemic)

BRAND NAMES:
In the U.S.
Axid
Axid AR
Mylanta AR Acid Reducer
Pepcid
Pepcid I.V.
Pepcid AC Acid Controller
Pepcid RPD
Tagamet
Tagamet HB
Zantac
Zantac EFFERdose Granules
Zantac EFFERdose Tablets
BRAND NAMES:
In Canada
Acid Control
Act
Apo-Cimetidine
Apo-Famotidine
Apo-Nizatidine
Apo-Ranitidine
Axid
Dyspep HB
Gen-Cimetidine
Gen-Famotidine
Gen-Ranitidine
Maalox H2 Acid Controller
Novo-Cimetine
Novo-Famotidine
Novo-Ranitidine
Nu-Cimet
Nu-Famotidine
Nu-Ranit
Pepcid
Pepcid AC
Pepcid I.V.
Peptol
PMS-Cimetidine
Tagamet
Ulcidine
Ulcidine-HB
Zantac
Zantac 75

Description
Histamine H 2-receptor antagonists, also known as H 2-blockers, are used to treat duodenal ulcers and prevent their return. They are also used to treat gastric ulcers and for some conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison disease, in which the stomach produces too much acid. In over-the-counter (OTC) strengths, these medicines are used to relieve and/or prevent heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. H 2-blockers may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

H 2-blockers work by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

They are available in the following dosage forms:

Oral
Cimetidine
Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Famotidine
Oral suspension (U.S.)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Chewable tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Oral disintegrating tablets (U.S.)
Nizatidine
Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Tablets (U.S.)
Ranitidine
Effervescent granules (U.S.)
Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Effervescent tablets (U.S.)
Parenteral
Cimetidine
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Famotidine
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Ranitidine
Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Proper Use of This Medicine
For patients taking the nonprescription strengths of these medicines for heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach:

Do not take the maximum daily dosage continuously for more than 2 weeks, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
If you have trouble in swallowing, or persistent abdominal pain, see your doctor promptly. These may be signs of a serious condition that may need different treatment.
For patients taking the prescription strengths of these medicines for more serious problems:

One dose a dayTake it at bedtime, unless otherwise directed.
Two doses a dayTake one in the morning and one at bedtime.
Several doses a dayTake them with meals and at bedtime for best results.

It may take several days before this medicine begins to relieve stomach pain. To help relieve this pain, antacids may be taken with the H 2-blocker, unless your doctor has told you not to use them. However, you should wait one-half to one hour between taking the antacid and the H 2-blocker.

Take this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. Also, it is important that you keep your appointments with your doctor for check-ups so that your doctor will be better able to tell you when to stop taking this medicine.

For patients taking famotidine chewable tablets:

Chew the tablets well before swallowing.

For patients taking famotidine oral disintegrating tablets:

Make sure your hands are dry.
Leave tablets in unopened package until the time of use, then open the pack and remove the tablet.
Immediately place the tablet on the tongue.
The tablet will dissolve in seconds, and you may swallow it with your saliva. You do not need to drink water or other liquid to swallow the tablet.

For patients taking ranitidine effervescent granules or tablets:

Remove the foil wrapping and dissolve the dose in 6 to 8 ounces of water before drinking.

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