Related Experiment Videos
Cimetidine: adverse reactions and acute toxicity
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|February 1, 1981
Summary
Cimetidine toxicity reports highlight risks in elderly and patients with kidney or liver issues, including mental confusion and serious adverse events. Further research is needed on its effects on male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cimetidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, was initially associated with minimal adverse reactions.
- Early studies showed similar adverse event rates between cimetidine and placebo groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent reports of cimetidine toxicity.
- To categorize adverse events and identify patient populations at higher risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of case reports and clinical studies involving cimetidine.
- Categorization of toxicities by organ system (cardiovascular, CNS, dermatologic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematologic, renal).
Main Results:
- Elderly patients, those with renal impairment, and liver disease are susceptible to cimetidine-induced mental confusion.
- Potentially serious hematologic depression, cardiac depression, and hypersensitivity hepatitis have been reported.
- Cimetidine use has been linked to impotence and oligospermia.
Conclusions:
- Specific patient groups require careful monitoring for cimetidine toxicity.
- Further controlled trials are necessary to evaluate cimetidine's impact on male fertility.