The Effect of Cimetidine, a New Histamine H2‐Receptor Antagonist, on Renal Function

Abstract

Serum creatinine, endogenous creatinine clearance, (51Cr)EDTA plasma clearance and the concentration of .beta.2-microglobulin in serum and urine were determined in 19 patients before and during treatment with cimetidine for peptic ulcer disease. The mean concentrations of creatinine and .beta.2-microglobulin in serum increased significantly within normal limits after 2 and 6 wk treatment. Creatinine clearance and (51Cr)EDTA plasma clearance were unchanged during the treatment. Thus, the observed increases in serum creatinine and .beta.2-microglobulin apparently could not be explained by a diminished glomerular filtration rate. Inhibited tubular secretion of creatinine may explain the observed increase in serum creatinine during cimetidine treatment. Another hypothetical possibility is that a small increase in tubular reabsorption of both creatinine and .beta.-microglobulin would account for the observed increases in creatinine and .beta.2-microglobulin in serum. Although statistically significant, the increases in serum creatinine and .beta.2-microglobunlin are small and may be of little relevance for the patient''s treatment with cimetidine.