Pet Medication 101: Tagamet

It’s important to understand a medication’s uses and side effects before giving it to your pet. This medication info sheet is meant to give you a good understanding of what Tagamet (cimetidine) is used for, how it works, and potential side effects in cats and dogs. Always consult a veterinarian before giving your pet any medication.
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: Imodium
Medication Info Sheet: Dramamine
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