Possible Side Effects of Tagamet [posted 8/14/98]
Question: My 8 year old stepdaughter began taking pediatric Tagamet (liquid form). She has been complaining about stomach problems at bedtime for several months on and off. Her doctor is seeing if the Tagamet will solve her problems before ordering further tests. Her mother doesn't want her taking Tagamet, claiming that it causes brain, kidney, and liver problems. I would appreciate finding out anything I can about possible side effects, especially on children.

Answer: Never formally tested on children, but used all the time by pediatricians and family doctors. Minimal/no side effects to this drug - the only reason the class was placed over the counter without prescription limitation. If you want a potentially safer drug use Zantac, but they are both incredibly well tolerated without problems.

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