Is that Tagamet in your cabinet or are you cooking something else?
Written: Jun 15 '05 (Updated Jun 15 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Relieves symptoms in minutes
Cons: Effectiveness subsides after a couple hours
The Bottom Line: There's no need to suffer.
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| xyzwyatt's Full Review: Tagamet HB 200 Reduces Stomach Acid for Heartburn ... |
I am tired of being Pavlov’s dog. I grasp my stomach in pain whenever I see tomato based products because it’s my worst heartburn culprit. I have been avoiding such foods but now that I found an effective solution I don’t have to be a party pooper anymore.
What is Heartburn?
The American Gastroenterological Association has described it as a burning pain that starts behind the breastbone and radiates upward to the neck. It is sometimes called acid indigestion and is often triggered by food or beverages. They estimate that 60 million Americans experience symptoms every month, 25 million every day. (http://www.gastro.org/media/newsRelease00/heartburnFacts.html)
About the Medicine
The purposes for this non habit forming over the counter medicine is to prevent or relieve heartburn, acid indigestion and sour stomach which is caused by food or beverages for those who are 12 and over.
The active ingredient in this medicine is Cimetidine. It is in a class of medications called H2 blockers. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach.
My Experience
My stomach burns so bad that I would actually consider making a trip out in the middle of the night for heartburn tablets so if I don’t have any on hand I will pass on the food that causes it which I have narrowed down to any tomato based product.
I had previously been using a generic but since I was at a different store they didn’t carry that brand. When I searched for an alternative I was quickly reminded why I chose a generic to begin with. Heartburn relief can be expensive!
I chose Tagamet HB because it was less expensive than other brands and because it didn’t have to be taken at a certain time. The product comes in a 30 pack for around $10 or 50 pack for around $15. My box doesn't expire for over 2 years. You can find $2 off coupons in the Sunday paper or on their website (www.tagemet.com). My box also had two $2 off coupons inside the box.
I was interested to find that this product could be taken up to 30 minutes before eating, during a meal, or after. Many heartburn medications require it to between 15-60 minutes before eating which is unrealistic for me.
I tested Tagamet with my ultimate test. I took a tablet with the first bite of spaghetti ladled with red saucy tomato sauce. The medicine worked and I never got the killer heartburn that I typically get.
Pizza has red sauce on it so is something else that gives me heartburn but I never remember until my body reminds me. My symptoms completely disappear in around 5-10 minutes.
For maximum results, the pill should be taken up to 30 minutes in advance with a glass of water. The pills are thin lightweight football shaped pills which are individually sealed in a blister pack. It is simple to swallow this pill.
My complaint is that the relief doesn’t last as long as previous medicines did. I consistently have reminders after 2 hours have passed. There are moments when my tummy feels hot, but not burning. The feeling is enough to notice but not enough to want another tablet.
Overall
I vow to never use another chewable antacid again. I will certainly buy this brand again if the price is better than others however this would not be my brand of choice. My heartburn starts within 5 minutes of finishing a meal so the ability to take this without a waiting period is a bonus. Initially this product works just as well as any other however I feel other products give me relief for a longer period. I feel that the product loses effectiveness after 2 hours and has worn off after 4 hours.
Warnings
The medicine should not be taken for more than 14 days without consulting a doctor. No more than 2 tablets should be taken within 24 hours.
The box recommends talking to a pharmacist or physician if taking the following medicines: theophylline (asthma), warfin (blood thinning), phenytoin (seizure) because Tagamet may intensify the dosage.
Ingredients as listed on the box: (per tablet): Cimetidine (200 mg - acid reducer). Inactive ingredients: Cellulose, Corn Starch, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Polyethylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Povidone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Titanium Dioxide
General Information
GlaxoSmithKline onsumer Healthcare, L.P.
Moon Twp, PA 15108
Phone: 1-800-482-4394
Website: www.tagamet.com
Stored in an area that is 59-86 degrees.
Keep out of reach of children
Recommended:
Yes
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xyzwyatt
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Location: Nashville, TN
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