TREATMENT DATABASE

Tagamet is an H2 blocker. It's primary mode of action is to prevent the production of stomach acid. It is used to treat ulcers, GERD, and heartburn.

USES IN ME/CFS: In the early 1980s, Dr. Jay Goldstein used Tagamet to treat infectious mononucleosis (confirmed by monospot test, enlarged spleen, and other clinical findings consistent with the diagnosis) in a college student. The symptoms resolved within 24 hours. Dr. Goldstein's rationale for treatment was based on the fact that Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, is a herpesvirus and, in most herpes infections, there is an increased number of T suppressor cells. It had been recently demonstrated that T suppressor cells had H2 receptors on their surfaces, and it was thought that the cells were activated by histamine.

Dr. Goldstein theorized that perhaps the T suppressor cells could be inactivated by Tagamet, an H2 blocker. His theory appears to have validity, as Dr. Goldstein reported positive results in 90% of cases of mononucleosis treated with Tagamet.

In 1990 Ashir Kumar, a researcher at Michigan State University, supported Dr. Goldstein's findings with his own research. In several studies, he found that cimetidine (Tagamet) enhanced immune function. “Patients who received cimetidine were shown to exhibit enhanced cell-mediated immunity as evaluated by increased response to skin-test antigens, restoration of sensitivity following development of acquired tolerance, and increased responses of lymphocytes to mitogen stimulation. Patients also demonstrated that patients with herpes zoster and herpes simplex who were given cimetidine may have benefited therapeutically from the drug.”

Some physicians use Tagamet to modulate the immune systems of ME/CFS patients, especially in the presence of onoing viral symptoms.

Treatment rating for Tagamet (cimetidine)