A problem that many people have is this stomach inflammation, heartburn, or as we all know it, "gastritis". Sometimes this condition can become a little serious and can even cause ulcers in the intestines. So, in such a situation, a liquid medicine that your doctor may prescribe for you, and which many people use, is called Nizatidine. Today, let's talk about this medicine, and the things you need to be careful about when using it, very simply.
What is Nizatidine?
Simply put, Nizatidine is a drug that controls the production of acid in our stomach. It belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. But this is different from the antihistamines we take for colds and itching. Its main job is to stop the production of acid in the stomach.
Think of our stomach acid production as a water faucet. When gastritis occurs, this faucet opens too much. Nizatidine works by closing that faucet a little and controlling the flow of acid. This creates an environment for ulcers to heal. It also helps reduce the inflammation, pain, and discomfort caused by gastritis.
Things to tell your doctor before starting this medicine
Before starting any medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Especially before starting Nizatidine, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have any kidney or liver disease.
- If you have difficulty swallowing food or liquids or if you experience pain when swallowing.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to nizatidine or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this is a liquid medicine, you need to be especially careful about how you take it.
- Correct measurement: Use a specially marked spoon, cup, or syringe to measure this medicine. Never measure with teaspoons or tablespoons found in your kitchen. They may not measure accurately, which could result in an incorrect dose. If you do not have such a measure, ask the pharmacy where you get your medicine.
- Take it on time: Take your medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed. If you usually take it once a day, that's it.It is best to take it before going to bed at night.
- For children: If this medicine is given to a child, it is essential to consult a pediatrician . The dosage required for children may vary.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to a hospital's Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
The most important thing is that this medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can interact with Nizatidine, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
- Aspirin and similar painkillers
- Delavirdine (a medicine for HIV)
- Itraconazole, Ketoconazole (antifungal)
This list is not complete. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as well as if you smoke or drink alcohol .
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Pay attention to symptoms: Your symptoms may not improve for a few days after you start taking the medicine. However, if your stomach pain does not improve or gets worse, tell your doctor.
- Avoid painkillers: Do not take anti-inflammatory medicines like Aspirin and Ibuprofen without your doctor's advice. These can make your stomach ulcer worse.
- Smoking and alcohol: Both of these can irritate your stomach lining . This can increase the time it takes for stomach ulcers to heal. It is best to avoid these habits completely while taking this medicine.
- Warning signs: Be especially careful with this.
If you have black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds , it could be a sign of bleeding in the intestines. If this happens,See a doctor or go to a hospital immediately.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Although nizatidine is generally a safe medication, some people may experience side effects. Let's take a look at what they are and what to do if they occur.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible | |
| Allergies such as skin rashes and itching | These could be signs of an allergy. Tell your doctor immediately. |
| Changes in thoughts | Feeling restless, agitated, confused, or seeing/hearing things that are not real (hallucinations). |
| Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine | These may be symptoms of a liver problem. |
| Swelling or pain in male breasts, sexual difficulties | These are rare side effects. Please inform your doctor. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they are bothersome | |
| Headache | It usually subsides within a few days. If it persists, tell your doctor . |
| Dizziness | May occur early in the course of taking the medicine. Avoid driving. |
| Constipation or diarrhea | If these conditions persist, talk to your doctor. |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat or cold.
- Throw away expired medicine.
In this article, we have only discussed a summary of Nizatidine. If you have any other questions about this medication, please discuss them with your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Always use the measuring cup or spoon provided to measure Nizatidine liquid medicine. Do not use household spoons.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, health conditions, and allergies you are taking.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and taking painkillers without medical advice while taking this medicine.
- If you experience severe symptoms, such as black stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not share your prescribed medication with others. Always take your medication exactly as your doctor tells you to.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Nizatidine Oral Solution / Axid?
This is a highly effective H2 Receptor Blocker medication that stops the production of acid in patients with gastritis, gastric/duodenal ulcers, and GERD! This liquid can be easily given to children and adults who have difficulty swallowing pills.
💬 How does this gastritis remedy (Nizatidine) stop the production of stomach acid?
Our stomach has special cells that produce acid (Parietal cells). The button that tells those machines to produce acid is pressed by a chemical called 'Histamine'. As soon as this honey enters the stomach, the histamine button (H2 Receptors) in those cells is completely blocked/closed and locked. Since the button cannot be pressed, the acid machine is turned off and the heartburn and soreness subside within a few hours.
💬 What are the dangers that people who take this acid-controlling drug (Nizatidine) should be aware of?
Although this is a largely safe stomach medicine, there is a rare risk of 'liver damage (Hepatotoxicity/Jaundice)' and 'abnormal changes in heart rhythm'. Also, our body needs stomach acid to absorb vitamins (especially Vitamin B12). If you continue to take this for years, you will definitely lose acid (B12 deficiency) and develop anemia and nerve weakness.
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