Cimetidine as an Inhibitor of Drug Metabolism: Therapeutic Implications and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Cimetidine has been reported to decrease the clearance of anticoagulants, benzodiazepines, theophylline, propranolol, and anticonvulsants. A review of the literature regarding these interactions, their clinical significance, and management plans for patients receiving drugs reported to interact with Cimetidine are presented. Mechanisms of these interactions and factors that may predispose patients to enhanced drug effects are discussed. Additionally, drugs suspected to interact with Cimetidine are listed.