cimetidine

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is a H2-receptor antagonist that is used in the treatment of peptic ulceration, oesophagitis and Zollinger- Ellison syndrome.

Some side effects of cimetidine:

  • Cimetidine blocks hepatic cytochrome P-450 and thus slows the metabolism of certain drugs e.g. phenytoin, warfarin, aminophylline.
  • blocks androgen receptors - results in gynaecomastia
  • causes reversible mental confusion (a rare side effect)
  • associated with agranulocytosis (this side effect is also associated with ranitidine)