Tagamet (cimetidine) is used to reduce stomach acid production, making it beneficial in treating everything from heartburn to ulcers. It is an H2 blocker, similar to, but distinct from, proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole or pantoprazole, which also inhibit stomach acid production. Which type of medication is ideal depends largely on patient response.

While most patients buy Tagamet under its brand name, it is also widely available as a generic and comes in several different strengths. It is used in patients of all ages, but those under age 12 should have dosage determined by a doctor, and those age 12 to 16 are often restricted to lower doses of 200 mg.

Patients usually buy Tagamet to:

• Treat ulcers in the stomach and intestine
• Prevent healed ulcers from redeveloping
• Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Allow erosive esophagitis to heal
• Treat heartburn or acid indigestion
• Prevent heartburn or acid indigestion

The medication may be used in other stomach acid-related conditions not mentioned above.

Prescription versus Nonprescription

Tagamet and its generic equivalents are available over-the-counter in many areas at doses of 200 mg or lower. Patients usually buy Tagamet at these lower doses to treat simple, occasional heartburn or acid indigestion.

A prescription is required in most places to buy Tagamet at higher doses, 400 mg and up, which are typically used to treat GERD, ulcers, or esophagitis. These are serious conditions which, if untreated, can ultimately lead to life-threatening complications.

Most people have no problem determining the difference between occasional heartburn or indigestion---uncomfortable though they may be---and more serious conditions like GERD, which often include long-lasting, chronic pain. Note that chronic heartburn or indigestion, occurring daily for more than two or three months, often indicates a more serious issue; patients who are experiencing such are advised to speak with a doctor. An endoscopy may need to be performed.

Taking Tagamet

Tagamet use can be broken down into two categories; treating simple heartburn and indigestion, and treating everything else.

To treat or prevent heartburn or acid indigestion, lower doses of 200 mg are usually sufficient. Occasionally patients with severe heartburn or indigestion may be given a prescription for higher doses, but this is fairly unusual. Treatment is typically as follows:

• To stop current heartburn or indigestion, take one tablet with a glass of water.
• To prevent heartburn or indigestion from developing, take one tablet up to 30 minutes prior to consuming the food or beverage that causes heartburn or indigestion.
• In both cases, do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours without doctor approval.
• Also in both cases, do not use for more than 14 consecutive days without doctor approval.

Relief from existing heartburn or indigestion is very rapid, with effects starting in a minute or two---similar to relief from Tums or Rolaids. Taken as a preventative measure, the conditions typically do not develop at all.

It is in treating GERD, ulcers, esophagitis and similar conditions that patients usually buy Tagamet at higher doses. While dosage, treatment schedule, and duration of treatment will ideally be determined by a doctor, there are some basic guidelines:

• If taking just one dose per day, it is best taken at bedtime.
• If taking two doses per day, one in the morning and one at bedtime is ideal.
• If taking more than two doses per day, doses should be taken with meals and one dose at bedtime.

Treatment for these conditions often extends past two weeks. Again a doctor can best determine duration.

Patients suffering from GERD, ulcers, and so forth also often benefit from making lifestyle changes; reducing consumption of caffeine, avoiding certain foods, and so forth. Together with Tagamet the conditions can often be fully healed, depending, of course, on what exactly caused the condition---in some cases avoidance is not realistically possible.

Our Business is Your Health

Clients who buy Tagamet from Kiwi Drug are also buying peace of mind, knowing their order is in the competent hands of New Zealand's oldest and most-trusted online pharmacy. Our outstanding customer care and expedited ordering system ensures the purchasing process is discreet, fast, and hassle-free from any location. We utilize state-of-the-art security software to ensure your data is kept safe, and we will never share your information with any third parties.

A prescription is needed to buy Tagamet from Kiwi Drug. If you don't have one, our online doctor may be able to issue one to qualifying clients; simply add the desired product to your cart, begin checkout, and answer the questions on the following page. There is no charge for our online doctor services.

Patients who already have a prescription to buy Tagamet will be provided with options to transfer it to us after completing checkout.

If you have any questions or need help with your order, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're always happy to help!