What is nizatidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Nizatidine is an oral drug that blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells and reduces their production of acid. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid). Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that stimulates stomach cells to produce acid. H2-blockers inhibit the action of histamine on stomach cells, thus reducing the production of acid by the stomach. Since excessive stomach acid can cause or worsen stomach and duodenal ulcers, reducing stomach acid prevents ulcer formation and helps ulcers to heal. The FDA approved nizatidine in April 1988.
What brand names are available for nizatidine?
Axid, Axid AR
Is nizatidine available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for nizatidine?
Yes, 150 mg, 300 mg and solution: no, 75 mg
What are the uses for nizatidine?
Nizatidine is used for the treatment and prevention of duodenal and gastric ulcers (peptic, stomach), GERD, and heartburn.
What are the side effects of nizatidine?
Common side effects are:
- constipation,
- diarrhea,
- fatigue,
- headache,
- insomnia,
- muscle pain,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- dizziness,
- confusion,
- depression, and
- agitation.
Serious but rare side effects include anemia, and a reduction in white blood cells or platelets. Hepatitis also has been reported.
What is the dosage for nizatidine?
- Treatment of ulcers: The usual adult dose for treatment of ulcers (duodenal or gastric) is 300 mg daily administered once at bedtime or 150 mg twice daily. Most duodenal ulcers heal after 4 weeks of treatment.
- Preventing ulcer recurrence and GERD: A dose of 150 mg at bedtime is used for preventing ulcer recurrence, and GERD is treated with 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily.
- Heartburn prevention: The recommended dose for prevention of heartburn is 75 mg administered 30-60 minutes before meals or beverages.
Which drugs or supplements interact with nizatidine?
Nizatidine, like other drugs that reduce stomach acid, may interfere with the absorption of drugs that require acid for adequate absorption. Examples include iron salts (for example iron sulphate), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric), atazanavir (Reyataz), dasatinib (Sprycel), indinavir (Crixivan), and dapsone. Conversely, it may increase levels of nimodipine (Nimotop) and nisoldipine (Sular) due to reduced stomach acidity.
Is nizatidine safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Available evidence suggests that there is little risk when used during pregnancy.
Nizatidine is secreted into human breast milk and may pose a potential risk to the infant.
What else should I know about nizatidine?
What preparations of nizatidine are available?
- Prescription tablets: 75 mg;
- Prescription capsule: 150 and 300 mg;
- Prescription solution: 15 mg/ml.
- Nonprescription tablets; 75 mg.
How should I keep nizatidine stored?
Nizatidine should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F) in a tightly closed container.