[The therapeutic importance of cimetidine (Tagamet) (author's transl)]

An overview of the development, actions and clinical applications of cimetidine, a new histamine H2 receptor antagonist, is given with reference to the literature. The experience of various investigators with this drug in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease are compared with each other and further indications described. The present results suggest a high therapeutic efficacy with trifling side effects. The latter is discussed with reference to two of our own observations. As long as the side effects are not sufficiently known, it is recommended that indications should be restricted to serious recurrent ulcer disease, reflux disease, prophylaxis and treatment of acute life-threatening hemorrhages and for palliative therapy of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.