How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient nizatidine, which is a type of medicine known as an H2-receptor antagonist. It works by reducing the production of stomach acid. Nizatidine blocks histamine H2-receptors that are found on cells in the stomach lining. Normally, a substance called histamine binds to these receptors. Histamine is a chemical produced throughout the body and has many effects; when it binds to H2-receptors on cells in the stomach lining it causes them to produce acid. Stomach acid is produced as a normal part of the digestive process. However, if large amounts of stomach acid are produced the excess acid may flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus), causing pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. Excess stomach acid can also irritate the lining of the stomach and duodenum (an area of the intestine directly after the stomach). This lining normally resists attack from the stomach acid, but if the lining is damaged, for example due to treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen), or large amounts of stomach acid are produced, a peptic ulcer can develop. As nizatidine blocks the H2 receptors on the cells in the stomach, it prevents histamine from binding to them. This decreases the amount of stomach acid produced by these cells and lowers the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum. This action helps to relieve the pain of heartburn, and helps ulcers to heal, including those caused by NSAIDs. By decreasing the production of stomach acid nizatidine can also be used to prevent ulcers from recurring.

What is it used for?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Preventing recurrence of peptic ulcers

Treatment of peptic ulcers

Warning!

There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children. It is not recommended for children.

This medicine can mask the symptoms of stomach cancer and therefore delay diagnosis of this condition. For this reason, when a stomach ulcer is suspected, your doctor should exclude the possibility of stomach cancer before you start treatment with this medicine, particularly if you are middle aged or older and have new or recently changed symptoms.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Allergy to other histamine H2 antagonists

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Sweating

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Low red blood cell count (anaemia)

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)

Sleepiness (somnolence)

Itchy rash (urticaria)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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