Histodil (Cimetidine) is used to treat diseases of the digestive tract

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Posted by Pharmacist, Master Nguyen Hoang Phuong Khanh - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Cimetidine is effective in reducing acid secretion equivalent to other drugs of the same class (Famotidine, Nizatidine) and is well tolerated by most patients. The drug works by inhibiting the histamine H2 receptor in the stomach, leading to the loss of histamine, thereby helping the stomach to reduce acid secretion, especially proven to reduce acid at night.

1. What are the uses of Cimetidine?

Cimetidine is the first drug discovered and used in the group of H2 antihistamines. Histamine acts as a signal to help the stomach recognize to secrete gastric acid. The drug works by inhibiting the histamine H2 receptor in the stomach, leading to the loss of histamine, thereby helping the stomach to reduce acid secretion, especially proven to reduce acid at night.
Drugs used to treat/relieve symptoms of conditions caused by excessive acid secretion from the stomach, including:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease Prophylaxis/treatment of peptic ulcers

2. Is the drug safe?

Cimetidine is effective in reducing acid secretion equivalent to other drugs of the same class (Famotidine, Nizatidine) and is well tolerated by most patients. However, compared with other drugs in the class, cimetidine has several disadvantages that limit its widespread use in practice, including:
May cause increased lactation in women or breasts as a side effect. In males, the incidence increases with long-term use of high doses, with a frequency of approximately 4%. Risk of interactions with many other drugs (increase or decrease the effectiveness of other drugs when taken together).

3. How should this medicine be taken?

Take Cimetidine with meals or at bedtime if your digestive symptoms usually appear at night.
In case you take medicine to prevent heartburn symptoms, it is recommended to take the medicine 30 minutes before a meal or drink that often causes this symptom for you,
Note not to take it at the same time as an antacid to avoid reducing the effectiveness by Cimetidine

4. Can Cimetidine be used with other drugs?

Cimetidine has the property of inhibiting the cytochrome enzyme, which is responsible for the metabolism of most drugs. Therefore, Cimetidine has the potential to change the effectiveness of other drugs when taken together, for example: warfarin, phenytoin, clopidogrel, diazepam.. Because of this risk, you should consult your doctor/pharmacist. before you want to take it with any medication.

5. How long should the drug be taken?

In case you self-medicate to treat GERD: If you need to take medicine continuously for 2 weeks or more and your symptoms are still not well controlled, you should see your doctor for advice on whether more optimal treatment.
If you have been prescribed this medicine by your doctor: The duration of treatment varies according to the medical condition. Be sure to take the medication as directed by your doctor.

6. What are the ways to help prevent heartburn symptoms other than medication?

Limit late-night eating (2-3 hours before going to bed) Lie with your head elevated Lose weight (for overweight and obese patients) Quit smoking, limit alcohol Avoid foods and drinks that aggravate digestive symptoms your food (e.g. coffee, chocolate, spicy, high-fat foods). Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit. and hospital treatment.

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References: uptodate.com, medlineplus.gov, Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology, 6th, Karen Whalen, Goodman & Gilman's. The Pharmacologic Basic of Therapeutics, 12th, Laurence Brunton