ACINIL 400mg Tablets

What is ACINIL 400mg

ACINIL 400mg is a tablet formulation that contains Cimetidine as its active pharmaceutical ingredient. Cimetidine belongs to a class of medications known as H2-receptor antagonists, which are primarily used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is commonly prescribed for a variety of acid-related gastrointestinal disorders.

• Therapeutic class: H2-receptor antagonist (also called H2-blocker)
• Active ingredient: Cimetidine 400mg
• Form: Oral tablet
• Pack size: 28 tablets

ACINIL is used to treat conditions such as:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Peptic Ulcer Disease (gastric or duodenal ulcers)
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome – a rare condition involving excessive stomach acid production
• Prevention of ulcer recurrence and stress-induced ulceration
• Management of heartburn and acid indigestion

This medication works by blocking histamine H2 receptors in the stomach lining, thereby decreasing the secretion of gastric acid. This helps relieve symptoms such as heartburn, stomach pain, and acid regurgitation, while also promoting healing in the gastrointestinal lining.

ACINIL 400mg is widely used both as a treatment and a preventive agent in patients at risk for stomach ulcers or experiencing chronic acid-related symptoms.

How to use ACINIL 400mg

Using ACINIL 400mg correctly is essential to ensure optimal effectiveness and reduce the risk of adverse effects. The dosage and frequency may vary depending on the condition being treated, patient age, and other health factors.

• Administration: ACINIL 400mg tablets should be taken orally, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
• Usual adult dose:
  • For duodenal or gastric ulcers: 400mg twice daily (morning and bedtime) or 800mg at bedtime for 4–8 weeks.
  • For GERD: 400mg four times daily, or as directed by a physician.
  • For heartburn prevention: Take 400mg before eating or drinking items known to cause symptoms.
• Duration: Treatment typically continues for 4–8 weeks, depending on the clinical condition and response.

Important usage tips:

• Follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor without exceeding it.
• Continue the course of medication even if symptoms improve early, unless advised to stop.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, or spicy food that may aggravate stomach acid.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance before initiating or adjusting treatment with ACINIL 400mg.

Mode of Action ACINIL 400mg

ACINIL 400mg, with Cimetidine as its active ingredient, acts as a selective histamine H2 receptor antagonist that significantly reduces gastric acid secretion.

• Histamine receptor activity: Cimetidine specifically blocks histamine at H2 receptors found on the parietal cells in the stomach lining.
• Acid secretion reduction: By blocking these receptors, ACINIL reduces both basal (resting) and stimulated acid secretion (e.g., by food, caffeine, or stress).
• Ulcer healing: Lower acid levels allow gastric and duodenal ulcers to heal more efficiently by reducing irritation and promoting mucosal repair.
• Effect onset and duration: The acid-suppressing effect begins within 1–2 hours after oral administration and lasts for up to 6–8 hours.

In addition to suppressing gastric acid, ACINIL can also slightly inhibit gastric pepsin output and enhance mucosal defense by reducing acid back-diffusion.

Clinical significance:

• Helpful in both active ulcer treatment and ulcer prophylaxis.
• Reduces heartburn and acid reflux symptoms by minimizing acid contact with the esophageal lining.
• Useful for preventing stress-related mucosal injury in critically ill patients.

Overall, the pharmacological action of ACINIL 400mg allows for symptomatic relief and mucosal healing in acid-related gastrointestinal conditions.

ACINIL 400mg Interactions ACINIL 400mg

Cimetidine is known to interact with a wide range of medications due to its ability to inhibit several cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in drug metabolism.

• Drugs with increased effects (due to reduced metabolism):
  • Warfarin: Increased risk of bleeding; monitor INR closely.
  • Theophylline: Risk of toxicity; monitor blood levels.
  • Phenytoin: May increase phenytoin levels and toxicity risk.
  • Lidocaine: Enhanced local anesthetic effects.
  • Diazepam: Prolonged sedative effects due to slower clearance.
• Drugs with reduced absorption due to pH changes:
  • Ketoconazole and Itraconazole: Require acidic pH for absorption; efficacy may be reduced.
  • Iron supplements: Reduced solubility and absorption in less acidic environment.
• Antacids: May reduce Cimetidine absorption if taken simultaneously. Separate doses by at least 1 hour.

General advice:

• Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking.
• Close monitoring is needed when using ACINIL 400mg with drugs having a narrow therapeutic index.

Healthcare providers should regularly assess for drug interactions when initiating or continuing ACINIL 400mg, particularly in patients on long-term polypharmacy.

Dosage of ACINIL 400mg

The dosage of ACINIL 400mg (Cimetidine) varies depending on the clinical indication, patient age, renal function, and severity of symptoms.

• For active duodenal or gastric ulcers:
  • 400mg twice daily (morning and bedtime)
  • OR 800mg once daily at bedtime for 4–8 weeks
• For GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease):
  • 400mg four times daily for 12 weeks
• For heartburn or acid indigestion:
  • 200–400mg up to twice daily as needed, taken before or after meals
• For ulcer prophylaxis:
  • 400mg at bedtime, long-term

Renal impairment:

• In patients with reduced kidney function (e.g., creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), reduce the dose or extend dosing intervals to avoid drug accumulation.

General guidelines:

• Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose of 1600mg/day unless under medical supervision.
• For best results, take the tablet at the same times daily to maintain even blood levels.

Possible side effects of ACINIL 400mg

While ACINIL 400mg is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects, especially with long-term use or high doses.

• Common side effects:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Rash or itching
• Less common but serious effects:
  • Confusion, especially in elderly or hospitalized patients
  • Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men) with prolonged use
  • Impotence or reduced libido (reversible)
  • Hepatitis or abnormal liver enzymes
  • Agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia (rare blood disorders)

Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Signs of an allergic reaction: swelling, hives, breathing difficulty
• Severe abdominal pain or black tarry stools
• Confusion, hallucinations, or seizure-like symptoms

Most side effects are mild and resolve with dose adjustment or discontinuation. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor promptly.

ACINIL 400mg Contraindications ACINIL 400mg

ACINIL 400mg should not be used in certain populations or clinical scenarios where the risk of adverse outcomes is high.

• Known hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in individuals allergic to Cimetidine or other H2 blockers.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Use with caution; consult a doctor. Cimetidine crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk.
• Severe liver disease: Use cautiously due to potential hepatic metabolism and rare risk of hepatotoxicity.
• Impaired renal function: Dose adjustment required; avoid standard doses in severe renal insufficiency.
• Use in elderly: May cause confusion and CNS effects in older adults, especially at high doses.

Important precautions:

• Do not use in conjunction with multiple interacting medications unless monitored.
• Screen for underlying malignancy (e.g., gastric cancer) before initiating treatment for ulcers, as symptom relief may mask serious conditions.

Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure the safe and appropriate use of ACINIL 400mg, especially in patients with comorbidities.

Storage of ACINIL 400mg

Proper storage of ACINIL 400mg ensures medication safety, potency, and efficacy throughout its shelf life.

• Storage temperature: Store at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Protection from light and moisture: Keep tablets in their original blister or container, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• Avoid extreme conditions: Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat.
• Keep away from children and pets: Store in a locked cabinet or high shelf to prevent accidental ingestion.

Disposal:

• Do not flush expired or unused tablets down the toilet.
• Use official medicine disposal programs if available, or consult a pharmacist for safe disposal instructions.

Check the expiration date regularly, and do not use the product past its stated shelf life. Proper storage practices ensure that ACINIL remains effective and safe for use as intended.