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Related Experiment Videos

Cimetidine-induced galactorrhea.

M N Ehrinpreis1, R Dhar, A Narula

  • 1Department of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|May 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary
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Cimetidine therapy can cause breast abnormalities like galactorrhea by blocking histamine2-receptors. Switching to ranitidine resolved these symptoms in a patient with liver cirrhosis, suggesting a link between H2-blockers and hyperprolactinemia.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cimetidine, a histamine2-receptor antagonist, is widely used for acid-related disorders.
  • Breast abnormalities, including galactorrhea, are rare but reported side effects of cimetidine.
  • Hyperprolactinemia is often associated with these cimetidine-induced breast changes.

Observation:

  • A female patient with hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension developed hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea during long-term cimetidine treatment.
  • The patient's symptoms of hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea resolved after discontinuing cimetidine and switching to ranitidine.
  • Ranitidine, another H2-receptor blocker, did not elicit the same adverse effects.

Findings:

  • This case suggests a causal relationship between cimetidine and the development of hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Histamine2-receptor blockade by cimetidine may be the underlying mechanism for these endocrine disturbances.
  • The resolution of symptoms upon switching to ranitidine supports the role of cimetidine's specific H2-receptor antagonism.

    • Implications:

    • Clinicians should be aware of the potential for cimetidine to cause hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea, especially in patients with underlying conditions like cirrhosis.
    • Monitoring for endocrine side effects may be warranted in patients on long-term cimetidine therapy.
    • Alternative H2-receptor blockers like ranitidine may be a safer option for patients experiencing these adverse effects.