Inappropriate use of cimetidine in hospitalized patients

We reviewed the records of 100 medical and surgical patients who received cimetidine while hospitalized. Cimetidine use was categorized by FDA criteria as justified (23%), acceptable (40%), or unjustified (37%); prescribing patterns were similar in medical and surgical patients. Furthermore, intravenous cimetidine was often given when patients were receiving oral feedings, which resulted in unnecessary increases in hospital costs.