Nizatid

Indications

Nizatidine is used to treat and prevent the return of stomach (gastric) and duodenal ulcers, to treat acid reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, GORD) including inflammation of the food pipe, and to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.

How It Works

Nizatidine is an H2 receptor blocker. It blocks histamine H2 receptors on the acid-making cells of the stomach lining, which reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. Less acid lets ulcers and an inflamed food pipe heal and eases burning pain.

Dosage and Administration

• Active stomach or duodenal ulcer, adults: 300 mg once daily at bedtime, or 150 mg twice daily, usually for 4 to 8 weeks.
• Preventing duodenal ulcer return: 150 mg once daily at bedtime.
• Acid reflux (GORD): 150 mg twice daily for up to 12 weeks.
• Heartburn relief (low-dose products): 75 mg up to twice a day, as directed on the label.

It can be taken with or without food. People with kidney problems need a lower dose as prescribed.

Interactions

• Nizatidine reduces stomach acid, so it can lower absorption of medicines that need acid, such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Atazanavir and some iron salts.
• Antacids may slightly reduce its absorption; take them at least 1 hour apart.
• Unlike Cimetidine, it has little effect on liver enzymes, so interactions with Warfarin, Theophylline or Phenytoin are unlikely.

Contraindications

• Allergy to nizatidine or other H2 blockers (such as Famotidine or Ranitidine).

Side Effects

Side effects are uncommon and usually mild: headache, dizziness, tiredness, diarrhoea or constipation, nausea, sweating, itching or rash. Rarely, liver test changes, low blood cell counts, confusion in older people or breast swelling in men can occur.

Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a severe rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or vomiting blood or passing black stools.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information in pregnancy; use only if your doctor advises it. Nizatidine passes into breast milk, so ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding; another medicine may be preferred.

Precautions and Warnings

• See a doctor before self-treating if you have trouble or pain on swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, black stools, or are over 45 with new symptoms, as these may signal a more serious condition, including stomach cancer, which acid reducers can mask.
• Kidney problems: the dose must be reduced.
• Liver disease: use with caution.
• Do not use heartburn products for more than 14 days without medical advice.

Overdose

Overdose is rarely serious. It may cause tiredness, sweating, vomiting or fast heartbeat. Seek medical advice if a large amount has been taken.

Therapeutic Class

H2 receptor antagonist; acid-reducing (anti-ulcer) medicine.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.