Cimetidine hydrochloride

Cimetidine Hydrochloride is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits the production of gastric acid. This pharmaceutical drug is commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It was first developed by Sir James Black in 1971 and is marketed under various brand names such as Tagamet among others.

History

Cimetidine was the first histamine H2-receptor antagonist to be developed and was considered a breakthrough in peptic ulcer disease treatment. Prior to its development, antacids and surgery were the primary treatments for peptic ulcer disease. The development of cimetidine marked a turning point in chronic ulcer treatment, as it was the first drug that could effectively reduce stomach acid secretion.

Pharmacology

Cimetidine works by blocking the histamine H2 receptors located on the gastric parietal cells, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid. It is a competitive inhibitor of these receptors, meaning it competes with histamine for binding sites, preventing histamine from triggering the secretion of gastric acid.

Clinical Use

Cimetidine is primarily used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It can also be used to treat conditions that cause excess stomach acid production such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. In addition, it has been used off-label for the treatment of warts due to its immunomodulatory effects.

Side Effects

Common side effects of cimetidine include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and rash. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as arrhythmia, pancreatitis, and hepatitis.

Interactions

Cimetidine can interact with a number of other medications, including warfarin, phenytoin, and theophylline. It can also inhibit certain cytochrome P450 enzymes, which can affect the metabolism of other drugs.

See Also

• Histamine H2-receptor antagonist
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease