Drug interactions
Cimetidine + Memantine
Severity: Minor
Cimetidine and Memantine: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Cimetidine may increase memantine exposure because both are cationic drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion. Higher levels may increase dizziness, confusion or agitation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cimetidine and Memantine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cimetidine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Memantine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Competition for renal tubular cationic secretion transporters reduces memantine renal clearance.
What to do
Monitor for memantine adverse effects such as dizziness and confusion, particularly in patients with renal impairment, and reduce the dose if they occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Cimetidine
- Cimetidine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Cimetidine + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cimetidine Major
- Atazanavir + Cimetidine Major
- Carmustine + Cimetidine Major
- Cimetidine + Citalopram Major
Other interactions of Memantine
- Ketamine + Memantine Major
- Acetazolamide + Memantine Moderate
- Aluminum hydroxide + Memantine Moderate
- Amantadine + Memantine Moderate
- Dextromethorphan + Memantine Moderate
- Dofetilide + Memantine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cimetidine with Memantine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cimetidine and Memantine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Cimetidine may increase memantine exposure because both are cationic drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion. Higher levels may increase dizziness, confusion or agitation.
How serious is the interaction between Cimetidine and Memantine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for memantine adverse effects such as dizziness and confusion, particularly in patients with renal impairment, and reduce the dose if they occur.
What other medicines interact with Cimetidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cimetidine with, for example, Dofetilide, Fezolinetant, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Cimetidine page.
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