Cimetidine
Cimetidine, drug used in the treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers. It is used to treat reflux disease , a condition in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus causing heartburn , and to prevent upper abdominal bleeding. Cimetidine is also used to treat chronic hives , acne , herpes infections (including shingles), excessive hair growth in women, and an overactive parathyroid gland . Cimetidine blocks the action of histamine , a chemical in the body that stimulates acid secretions in the stomach. When histamine action is blocked, secretion of stomach acid decreases, allowing ulcers and other gastrointestinal ailments to heal. This drug is available by prescription in tablet and liquid form, both taken orally, and in a liquid form that is injected. Depending on the condition being treated, typical dosages range from 800 to 1200 mg per day. Cimetidine may be taken in a single dose at bedtime or divided into two or four smaller doses, usually taken immediately after a meal. R