Axid (Nizatidine) belongs to the family of medications called H2-receptor antagonists. Axid (Nizatidine) works by reducing the amount of acid secreted by the stomach. Reducing the acid helps to reduce the pain of stomach and intestinal ulcers and heartburn and assists in the healing of ulcers and damage caused by GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Axid (Nizatidine) is also used to prevent duodenal (intestinal) ulcers in certain circumstances.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Axid (Nizatidine) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Axid (Nizatidine) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Axid (Nizatidine) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Axid (Nizatidine), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Axid (Nizatidine) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Axid (Nizatidine) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Axid (Nizatidine) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The adult dose of Axid (Nizatidine) ranges depending on the condition being treated. For the prevention of ulcers, the usual dose is 150 mg daily at bedtime. For the treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers, the usual dose is 300 mg daily (either 150 mg twice a day or 300 mg at bedtime). For gastroesophageal reflux disease, the usual dose is 150 mg twice a day. Axid (Nizatidine) may be taken with or without food. Antacids may be used along with Axid (Nizatidine) if extra relief from excess acid is needed.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Axid (Nizatidine) regularly and exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking Axid (Nizatidine) without first talking with your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Axid (Nizatidine) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Axid (Nizatidine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• Dry Mouth
• headache
• increased sweating
• itching
• nausea

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• fast or irregular heartbeat
• skin rash or Hives
• symptoms of liver problems:
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• flu-like symptoms
• light coloured stools
• nausea
• vomiting
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of an allergic reaction:
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth, or throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

150 mg
Each opaque yellow capsule imprinted "AXID" over "3144" on one half and "AXID" over "150 mg" on the other half contains 150 mg of Axid (Nizatidine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, magnesium stearate, silicone, iron oxide yellow, titanium dioxide, and gelatin.

300 mg
Each capsule with opaque brown cap and opaque yellow body, imprinted with "AXID" over "300" on one half and "AXID" over "3145" on the other contains 300 mg of Axid (Nizatidine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, povidone, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium, silicone, talc, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, titanium dioxide, and gelatin.

Do not take Axid (Nizatidine) if you:

• are allergic to Axid (Nizatidine) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to any H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., Ranitidine, Famotidine, Cimetidine)

There may be an interaction between Axid (Nizatidine) and any of the following:

• acetylsalicylic acid (Asa)
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• Bosutinib
• cefuroxime
• Cyclosporine
• Dasatinib
• delavirdine
• dexmethylphenidate
• Erlotinib
• Gefitinib
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• iron supplements
• ledipasvir
• Mesalamine
• Methylphenidate
• multivitamin/mineral supplements
• Nilotinib
• Pazopanib
• rilpivirine
• Risedronate
• secretin
• Varenicline
• velpatasvir

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Axid (Nizatidine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Axid (Nizatidine).

Kidney function: Axid (Nizatidine) is removed from the body by the kidneys. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Axid (Nizatidine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Axid (Nizatidine) is partly broken down by the liver. If you have reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how Axid (Nizatidine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Severe stomach problems: If you have recurrent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, blood in the stool, significant unintentional weight loss, fatigue (Anemia), or are coughing up blood, check with your doctor right away.

Vitamin B12: Long-term use of Axid (Nizatidine) may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. If you are a vegetarian or have low vitamin B12 levels, discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is required.

Pregnancy: Axid (Nizatidine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Axid (Nizatidine), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Axid (Nizatidine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Axid (Nizatidine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Axid (Nizatidine) have not been established for children.