Pet Medication 101: Tagamet

1. Drug Name:

cimetidine

2. Brand Names:

Tagamet, Good Sense Heartburn Relief

3. How Dispensed:

Over the counter and prescription

4. Forms:

200mg, 300mg, 400mg, and 800mg tablets; 300mg/5mL liquid; 150mg/mL injectable solution

5. Drug Type/Class:

Histamine-2 blocker

6. Uses in Dogs and Cats:

Stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, stomach inflammation and erosion due to kidney disease, stress-related gastritis, drug-induced gastritis, acid reflux, esophageal inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, and parvovirus

7. How it Works:

Cimetidine decreases the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach by inhibiting the histamine-2 receptor. Decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach produces a more favorable environment to rest and heal.

8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdose:

Confusion, headaches, exacerbation of heart arrhythmias, drooling in cats, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, collapse

9. Drug Interactions:

• Alprazolam

• Beta-blockers

• Calcium channel blockers

• Cefpodoxime

• Chloramphenicol

• Cisapride

• Clopidogrel

• Cyclosporine

• Diazepam

• Loratadine

• Metronidazole

• Mirtazapine

• Sildenafil

• Theophylline

• Tricyclic antidepressants

10. Cautionary Statements:

• Never give your pet Tagamet without the approval of your veterinarian.

• Use with caution in pets with kidney disease, liver disease, and heart rhythm abnormalities.

• Use with caution in geriatric patients.

• Safety has not been established for pregnant or lactating animals.

• Can alter skin testing for allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Read more:

Medication Info Sheet: Zantac

Medication Info Sheet: Imodium

Medication Info Sheet: Dramamine

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