Treatment of chronic gastritis with cimetidine is symptomatic only. It is recommended that dogs (especially older dogs) showing persistent vomiting should undergo appropriate investigations to diagnose the underlying cause before starting treatment.

In case of renal dysfunction, the dose may be adjusted as the clearance of cimetidine may be decreased. If the response to treatment is poor within 15 days, the diagnosis and treatment plan should be re-evaluated.

Transient and self-resolving slight swelling of mammary glands may be observed in female dogs. A reversible reduction of prostate weight was also observed in male rats and dogs, at doses greater than 9 times the therapeutic dose, with no impact on reproductive performances. No other undesirable effects were reported.

The use of the product during pregnancy and lactation in the target species has not been investigated.

Therefore, use of the veterinary medicinal product during pregnancy and lactation should be based on a risk/benefit assessment by the responsible veterinary surgeon.

Due to inhibition of cytochrome P-450 activity by cimetidine, the metabolism and elimination of some drugs can be reduced. Clinically relevant interactions may occur with compounds having a narrow therapeutic index, e.g. beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, phenytoin, theophylline, aminophylline, warfarin and lidocaine. Doses of such drugs may need to be reduced when administered concomitantly with cimetidine.

The increased gastric pH resulting from cimetidine administration may lead to reduced absorption of drugs requiring an acid medium for absorption. It is recommended that at least 2 hours should elapse between administration of cimetidine and aluminium or magnesium hydroxide, metoclopramide, digoxin or ketoconazole when possible.

Increased gastric pH may also exacerbate bacterial overgrowth and antigenic stimulation in hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria.

Not applicable.

For animal treatment only. Keep out of reach and sight of children.