General Description: Cimetidine is an oral histamine blocking agent used in dogs and cats to reduce the amount of stomach acid. Cimetidine aids in the treatment of gastric or duodenal ulcers, reduces inflammation in the esophagus and stomach and helps reduce reflux.
What is this drug?
A histamine blocking agent used to reduce the amount of gastric acid the stomach secretes and protects against formation of ulcers. Use of cimetidine has diminished as the newer drugs, ranitidine and famotidine, have fewer drug interactions and dosing is required less frequently.
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
To reduce the amount of stomach acid produced. This aids in the treatment of gastric or duodenal ulcers
Also used in the treatment of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) and other reflux and hypersecretory conditions.
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to cimetidine or like products before
Care should be taken in older pets, those with blood abnormalities and those with liver or kidney disease
If pet is presently taking like products (unless directed by your veterinarian).
Directions:
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. It is usually giventhree or four times a day.
Read and follow the label carefully.
Give on an empty stomach if at all possible. Food will decrease its effectiveness.
Give this medication for as long as veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.
Call ahead for refills.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can, regardless of feeding status. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Possible side effects:
This medication is usually well tolerated when given at recommended dosage, although cats will likely drool excessively due to the taste
When the drug is discontinued, your pet may show some confusion or headache
The animal may experience slowing of the heart rate and unsteadiness when s/he gets up
If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Drugs that may interact with cimetidine are: azathioprine (and other bone marrow suppressing drugs), benzodiazepines (ex. diazepam), beta-blockers (ex. propranolol), calcium channel blockers (ex. verapamil), ethanol, lidocaine, metronidazole, phenytoin, procainamide, quinidine, theophylline, warfarin.
Cimetidine may be given with antacids, digoxin, ketoconazole and/or metoclopramide. Whenever possible, give cimetidine at least 2 hours before or after the other drugs.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
This is just a summary of information about cimetidine. If you have any questions or concerns about cimetidine or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian. Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, cimetidine should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed. It is important to periodically discuss your pet’s response to cimetidine at regular check ups. Your veterinarian will best determine if your pet is responding as expected and if your pet should continue receiving cimetidine.
