nizatidine at a glance
Medicine class
Histamine H2-receptor antagonist
Main roles
Treating acid reflux and gastric or duodenal ulcers, including ulcers associated with NSAIDs
Food
Food does not meaningfully affect absorption
Kidney function
Kidney impairment can reduce clearance and requires prescriber review
What is nizatidine used for?
UK-licensed uses represented by the selected product are:
Duodenal ulcer
Benign gastric ulcer
Prevention of gastric or duodenal ulcer recurrence
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, including associated heartburn, erosions or ulceration
Gastric or duodenal ulcers associated with NSAID use
How does nizatidine work?
Nizatidine selectively and reversibly blocks histamine H2 receptors on acid-producing stomach cells. This reduces both resting and stimulated gastric-acid secretion, as well as pepsin concentration and the volume of stomach secretions.
nizatidine preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg
How to take nizatidine
Take the capsules by mouth exactly as directed on the dispensing label. They may be taken with or without food because food does not meaningfully alter absorption.
Do not change how you take nizatidine without checking with the prescriber or pharmacist.
Tell the prescriber if you have kidney or liver problems.
nizatidine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Increased sweating
- Sleepiness
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including wheezing, throat swelling or anaphylaxis
- Liver injury, suggested by jaundice, dark urine, pale stools or itching
- Unusual bruising or bleeding caused by reduced platelets
- Frequent or severe infections associated with reduced white blood cells
- Severe peeling or widespread skin reaction
nizatidine in pregnancy
Information specific to nizatidine in human pregnancy is limited. Although UK information for H2-receptor antagonists identifies no clear class-wide pregnancy risk, the product information advises using nizatidine during pregnancy or while planning pregnancy only when considered essential and with caution; prescriber review is therefore important.
nizatidine while breastfeeding
UK Specialist Pharmacy Service guidance says nizatidine can be used during breastfeeding and is among the preferred H2-receptor antagonists because only very small amounts enter milk. This applies to full-term, healthy infants; seek specialist advice for premature or unwell infants. The product information is more cautious, so individual prescriber assessment remains appropriate.
nizatidine interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about prescription, pharmacy and complementary products. Relevant interactions include:
High-dose salicylates
Nizatidine may increase salicylate absorption, potentially increasing exposure and adverse effects.
Medicines requiring an acidic stomach environment for absorption
Reduced stomach acidity may decrease their absorption and effectiveness; check product-specific advice.
Common questions about nizatidine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is nizatidine used for?
It is licensed for acid reflux and several types of gastric or duodenal ulcer, including ulcers associated with NSAIDs and prevention of ulcer recurrence.
Is nizatidine an H2 blocker?
Yes. It blocks histamine H2 receptors in the stomach and reduces acid secretion.
Can nizatidine be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.