These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
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.
