Which do you prefer, Zantac or Tagamet?

Question

Anti-histamines that inhibits stomach acid production. Which is more effective? Zantac or Tagamet?

Answer 1

I like Zantac.. Makes me feel so good.  

Answer 2

Zantac

Answer 3

They are equally effective overall.  Individuals may find that one works a little better than the other.  At our hospital we automatically convert Tagamet and Zantac to Pepcid.  We don't even have to notify the MD that we are doing it.  That's how similar items in this class of medicines are.  

Now, beyond efficacy Zantac beats Tagamets hands down.  Tagamet can inhibit a group of enzymes in you body in the cytochrome p450 class.  That class of enzymes metabolize a lot of medicines.  Thus, Tagamet can slow down you liver's ability to metabolize a number other drugs.  So, there are many, many drug interactions involved with Tagamet and other drugs.  A few example would be Dilantin, a seizure drug.  Tagemet can cause a rise of Dilantin.  To much Dilantin in your blood can cause increased sedation, dizzyness, falls, etc....

I wouldn't give Tagamet to my worse enemy.  Take the Zantac or even give Pepcid a try.  We don't use Tagamet at our hospital at all.  I can't understand why it even still on the market with all the H2 antaganist(Zantac, Pepcid, etc) and Proton pump inhibitors(Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix,etc...).