Cimetidine Usage for Unlabeled Conditions in an Ambulatory Care Service
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1984
Description
With the intent of cost containment, we conducted a survey of cimetidine usage in the Ambulatory Care Service of our Veterans Administration Medical Center. During a period of six months, this drug was prescribed for 132 patients. Only about 20% received cimetidine for FDA approved conditions. Treated conditions hot approved by the FDA (unlabeled) included undiagnosed abdominal pain, past peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis, and a variety of other conditions. Fourteen percent of the patients had demanded the drug. Irrespective of whether a confirmed diagnosis was present or not, most patients taking cimetidine had symptomatic relief. It is unclear whether more regulations or improved physician education would be the better method to control improper and unnecessary use of a drug that is generally safe but has potentially serious side effects.
Citation Information
Thomas, C. T.; Thomas, Eapen; Reddy, K. R.; Martin, Elaine; and Stapleton, James A.. 1984. Cimetidine Usage for Unlabeled Conditions in an Ambulatory Care Service. Southern Medical Journal. Vol.77(10). 1281-1282. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007611-198410000-00019 PMID: 6484650 ISSN: 0038-4348