Nizatidine (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed
Nizatidine is used to treat and prevent the recurrence of ulcers and to treat other conditions where the stomach makes too much acid. Nizatidine also is used to treat or prevent occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. Nizatidine is available with and without a prescription.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used
Nizatidine comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken once daily at bedtime or twice a day with or without food. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nizatidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach last for longer than 2 weeks while taking nizatidine, stop taking it and call your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow
Before taking nizatidine


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nizatidine or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin or antacids such as Maalox or Mylanta, and vitamins.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nizatidine, call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Mild side effects
''Nizatidine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:''


 * headache
 * dizziness
 * drowsiness
 * constipation
 * diarrhea
 * stomach pain
 * runny nose
 * sneezing
 * coughing
 * sweating

Severe side effects
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * skin rash
 * hives
 * itching
 * wheezing
 * difficulty breathing

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Axid®
 * Axid® AR Acid Reducer
 * Axid® Pulvules®