Why has my veterinarian prescribed Cimetidine for my dog?
Cimetidine is a histamine-blocking agent. It helps reduce the amount of gastric acid secreted in the stomach. Cimetidine has been used for treating or managing gastric or duodenal ulcers. It has also been used to treat gastritis and other reflux and hypersecretory conditions.
How do I give Cimetidine to my dog?
- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
- If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
- If possible, give the medication on an empty stomach.
- Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.
- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
- DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
- DO NOT stop giving this medication to your pet unless directed by your veterinarian. Call your veterinarian ahead of time if your pet needs a refill.
- Try not to miss giving any doses.
What do I do if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
How do I store this medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
- Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
What are the potential side effects?
- Side effects are rare when the medication is given at the recommended dosage.
- Your pet may experience some confusion or headache (when the drug is discontinued).
- There may be a slowing of the heart rate and unsteadiness when the animal gets up.
- If symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian.
- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Are there any possible drug interactions?
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication or supplements you are giving to your pet.
- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
- The following drugs can potentially interact with cimetidine: beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g. verapamil), diazepam and other benzodiazepines, lidocaine, ethanol, metronidazole, phenytoin, quinidine, theophylline, warfarin, and procainamide.
- If cimetidine must be given with antacids, metoclopramide, sucralfate, digoxin and/or ketoconazole, give cimetidine at least 2 hours before or after the other drugs, whenever possible.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
