Overview: Nizatidine is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and other conditions caused by too much stomach acid. It is an H2 blocker that works by blocking certain histamine receptors in the body, which helps reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. Common side effects may include a headache, stomach pain, dizziness, nausea, or diarrhea. Before taking nizatidine, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have and all medicines you take.
Uses
What is nizatidine used for?
Nizatidine is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up into your esophagus
- Ulcers in the stomach or intestines
- Erosive esophagitis (EE) due to acid reflux
Nizatidine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does nizatidine work (mechanism of action)?
Nizatidine is in a family of medicines called H2 blockers. It works by blocking certain histamine receptors in the body, which helps reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes.
How is nizatidine supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Axid
Dosage forms and strengths
- 150 mg, 300 mg oral capsules
- 15 mg/mL (75 mg/5 mL) oral solution
How should I store nizatidine?
Nizatidine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you're transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of nizatidine?
The most common side effects of nizatidine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or gas
- Dizziness
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
There may be other side effects of nizatidine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of nizatidine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of nizatidine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Nizatidine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking nizatidine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use nizatidine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take nizatidine.
- Nizatidine
- Axid
- Any other medicine known as an H2 blocker (also called an H2 receptor antagonist)
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nizatidine products they stock.
What should I know about nizatidine before using it?
Do not take nizatidine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share nizatidine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep nizatidine out of the reach of children.
If you are taking nizatidine liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a good measuring device.
Nizatidine may affect the results of certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers that you are taking this medicine before any lab tests.
What should I tell my health care provider before using nizatidine?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if nizatidine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Kidney Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have kidney problems or your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to see if you need a lower dose of this medicine.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Nizatidine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking nizatidine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nizatidine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Nizatidine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop nizatidine.
Interactions
Does nizatidine interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between nizatidine and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nizatidine. Alcohol may make certain stomach symptoms or conditions worse, so talk with your health care provider before drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
Does nizatidine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, nizatidine may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with nizatidine. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much nizatidine?
If you or someone else has used too much nizatidine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of nizatidine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Nizatidine (Axid)?
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