A stomach ulcer disease (also called PUD, a peptic ulcer disease) is a small hole in the tissue lining the stomach. The size of it can range between 1/3 to 2 sm. This disease is rather common among grown ups and even children and causes rather uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the patients suffering from stomach ulcer may need surgery because of persistent symptoms; some of them may have rather severe complications (including death). Stomach ulcer can be a disease itself, can be a symptom of a disease or can lead to other illnesses.

Stomach ulcer treatment includes killing the bacteria with antibiotics, reducing the amount of acid caused by ulcers of any type (depending on what area it occurs) with the help of acid suppressors, and eventually protecting the lining of your stomach with the so-called stomach protectors’ medications.

One of the effective acid suppressing medications is histamine H2-antagonists cimetidine. Its brand name Tagamet contains cimetidine as the active ingredient. This class of medication helps to control the amount of acid in the stomach and thus reducing the pain and discomfort caused by ulcers.

• gastric ulcer (ulcer in the stomach)
• duodenal ulcer (in the duodenum)
• reflux disease (GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• hypersecretory conditions
• heartburn, indigestion, sour stomach and some other cases

You can get Tagamet in forms of tablets, injections or liquid form. It requires the storage general for majority of medications: room temperature (not higher than 30 °C) and dry place (away from children).

You doctor will proscribe you best suitable dose of cimetidine. General recommendations are:

• 800 mg each day in case of ulcers (generally half of the dose in the morning, another – in the evening; or 300 mg 4 times a day) / take it for 4 to 8 weeks
• 400 mg daily in case you treat your ulcer and control its reappearing (at bed-time)
• 800 mg daily in reflux disease (one dose or 400 mg in the morning and in the evening) / not longer than 3 months
• 300 mg 4 times daily (not more than 2400 mg daily) in case of pathological hypersecretory conditions
• 200 mg to reduce the symptoms of heartburn or reflux disease (as short term relief), still not more than 4 pills per 24 hours (dose of 800 mg) and minimum interval of 1 hour between the pills, better take it right before your meals / for period not longer than 2 weeks
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Dissolve the tablet of Tagamet in the glass of water and drink it with or without food. Try to take Tagamet at the same time each day. Do not exceed the dose (or the time of taking it), as well as do not shorten the period of treatment just because the symptoms improve.

The following side effects may occur: headache, constipation / diarrhea, tiredness, trouble sleeping, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting or feeling sick. Major side effects include depressed mood, irregular heart beat, fever, jaundice, enlargement of the breasts (especially in men), and impotence. In case of any skin reactions, swellings and troubles with breathing call your doctor and stop taking the medicine.

In addition to treating, try not to skip your meals, stop smoking and drink alcohol drinks responsibly.

Valentyna Ant.

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