Cimetidine IV Prevention and treatment of stress-induced upper GI bleeding in critically ill patients Cimetidine, famotidine OTC Treatment of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. Action Inhibits the action of histamine at the H 2 -receptor site located primarily in gastric parietal cells, resulting in inhibition of gastric acid secretion. Healing and prevention of ulcers Decreased symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux Decreased secretion of gastric acid.
All agents enter breast milk and cerebrospinal fluid.
Some oral liquids contain alcohol and should be avoided in patients with known intolerance. The effects of succinylcholine , flecainide , procainamide , carmustine , and fluorouracil are increased by cimetidine All agents decrease the absorption of ketoconazole Antacids and sucralfate decrease absorption of all agents. Nursing Implications Assessment Assess patient for epigastric or abdominal pain and frank or occult blood in the stool, emesis, or gastric aspirate. Assess for confusion elderly and debilitated patients receiving cimetidine or ranitidine routinely. Notify physician or other health care provider promptly should this occur.