What health risks do I incur when I occasionally ingest a 400mg tablet of Tagamet (prescribed for my daughter's warts) to alleviate the discomfort of recurring heartburn?
REPLY:
Tagamet is probably safe and without significant health risks if your use of the drug is truly "occasional". Tagamet, Pepcid and very soon Zantac and Axid are available without a prescription. This is in recognition of the proven safety of these drugs. The dose of the drugs in this form is significantly less than for the prescription form: Tagamet is sold over-the-counter in 100 mg strength pills for the relief of heartburn.
I am not familiar with the use of Tagamet in the treatment of warts but using someone else's prescription medications is, in general, ill-advised and probably not a good example to set for our children.
Heartburn is due to a number of factors and first-line treatment involves changes in one's diet, weight, eating habits and times, sleeping (i.e. raising the head of the bed), etc. all of which be undertaken before one looks for a solution in a pill bottle.
If your need to use Tagamet becomes a regular occurrence you may want to consult with your physician.
--
Bruce Sckolnick, M.D.
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
Click here to review previous Digestive Clinic consultations