LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Cimetidine: Stomach
built 628 days ago
Cimetidine is a competitive inhibitor of the histamine receptors on the cells of the stomach that secret acid. It binds to these receptors, called H2 receptors, and doesn't allow histamine to bind. Histamine is responsible for signaling these cells to secrete acid. If cimetidine is present, the cells don't get the signal to produce acid ... reducing the pH of the stomach.
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Cimetidine blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells and reduces stomach acid production. Cimetidine is useful in promoting the healing of active stomach and duodenal ulcers, and in reducing ulcer pain. Cimetidine has been effective in preventing ulcer recurrence when given in low doses for prolonged periods of time. In doses higher than that used in ulcer treatment, cimetidine has been helpful in treating heartburn and in healing ulcer and inflammation of the esophagus resulting from acid reflux (reflux esophagitis).
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Cimetidine can be taken indefinitely. However, if you have had an ulcer, remember that 95% of stomach or duodenal ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria infection (which can be cured by antibiotics) or by aspirin or arthritis medication. Long-term use of cimetidine should not be necessary under these conditions. Do not take over-the-counter doses for more than two weeks without physician approval.
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Cimetidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and prevent them from coming back after they have healed. This medication is ... used to treat certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems caused by too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux disease/GERD). Decreasing extra stomach acid can help relieve symptoms such as stomach pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent serious acid damage to your digestive system (e.g., ulcers, cancer of the esophagus).
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Cimetidine is used to treat and prevent certain types of ulcer, and to treat conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid. Cimetidine is ... used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and causes heartburn.
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Cimetidine is rapidly and well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations obtained approximately one hour after taking a dose on an empty stomach. Food delays the rate and may slightly decrease the extent of absorption with the peak plasma concentration occurring after 2 hours. Basal gastric acid secretion is inhibited by 80% for 4-5 hours following a single oral dose.
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