Cimetidine 6 years later: a review.

Over 15 million people have been treated with cimetidine since its introduction 6 years ago. Although the drug was thoroughly investigated before release, through its use more information has become available on the side-effects and the way cimetidine has altered the natural history of peptic ulcer disease. Initially, the drug decreased the number of operations performed for peptic ulcer and we have now developed a clearer understanding of the indications for surgery. This review puts together old and new data that may be of value to physicians prescribing cimetidine. The development of cimetidine as an agent for treating peptic ulcer, its side-effects and indications for use and the introduction of other H2 antagonists are discussed. Some data are included on why patients do not respond to H2 blockade and how these patients should be managed.