Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules

Generic Name: nizatidine (Pronunciation: ni ZA ti deen)

• What is nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?
• What are the possible side effects of nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?
• What is the most important information I should know about nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?
• How should I take nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?
• What happens if I overdose (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?
• What should I avoid while taking nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?
• What other drugs will affect nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?

Nizatidine is in a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. Nizatidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Nizatidine is used to treat ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Nizatidine also treats heartburn and erosive esophagitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus.

Nizatidine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Axid 150 mg

white/yellow, imprinted with Lilly 3144, AXID 150 mg

Axid 300 mg

orange/yellow, imprinted with Lilly 3145, AXID 300 mg

Nizatidine 150 mg-TEV

brown/white, imprinted with N 894, 150

Nizatidine 150 mg-WAT

white, imprinted with 3137, WPI

Nizatidine 300 mg-TEV

beige, imprinted with N899, 300

Nizatidine 300 mg-WAT

brown, imprinted with 3138, WPI

What are the possible side effects of nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using nizatidine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• unusual bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• fever, confusion; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild rash;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• runny or stuffy nose, cough
• increased sweating; or
• impotence or trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nizatidine or similar medications such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), or famotidine (Pepcid).

Before taking nizatidine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or stomach cancer or other problems.

Avoid taking cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), or famotidine (Pepcid) while you are taking nizatidine, unless your doctor has told you to.

Nizatidine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Nizatidine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Heartburn can be confused with early symptoms of heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, dizziness, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, nausea or vomiting, and a general ill feeling.