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What Are the Effects of Cimetidine for Warts?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

In come cases, a medicine called cimetidine has proven helpful for treating common warts. When it works, the primary effects of cimetidine for warts include the eventual disappearance of the warts, though an individual may also experience the intended effects of the drug as well — the drug is typically used in treating ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues and reduces stomach acidity. Though the medication is usually well tolerated, it may cause side effects, including drowsiness, headaches, and diarrhea.

Cimetidine is a drug that is most commonly used for treating ulcers and heartburn, but can also be used for the treatment of warts. The drug is usually recommended for its ability to help reduce acid levels in a person’s stomach. When cimetidine is used for treating warts, however, it is taken orally instead of applied directly to the wart as many other treatments are. An individual who wants to use this alternative treatment can purchase cimetidine over the counter. He may do well, however, to discuss this treatment option with a doctor before he begins self-treatment.

Side effects of cimetidine may include drowsiness.
Side effects of cimetidine may include drowsiness.

Studies of the effects of cimetidine for warts have produced varied results. Some study participants responded to the medication and had noticeable improvement in their warts within just weeks of using the medication. Others, however, had little improvement after using the medication. Since using cimetidine on warts are not always reliable, it may be recommended in combination with a topical treatment for warts or as a home remedy to try before seeking the advice of a doctor.

Some patients have noticed wart improvements within weeks of using cimetidine.
Some patients have noticed wart improvements within weeks of using cimetidine.

There is some disagreement when it comes to the amount of cimetidine necessary for treating warts. Some people assert that taking 300 mg of cimetidine twice a day will help to get rid of warts. Others say a higher dose, such as 600 mg twice daily, is more likely to produce the desired effect. An individual may do well to discuss the dosage with his doctor since he will take the medication in a different manner than is listed on the label. By discussing the dosage with his doctor, he can be sure the drug will not interfere with any other medications he is taking or cause serious health effects.

Warts on a hand.
Warts on a hand.

In addition to the positive effects of cimetidine for warts, some people may also experience negative effects. Though many people tolerate the medication well, side effects are possible. For example, a person may develop headaches as a side effect or feel overly drowsy. Some people also develop diarrhea when they are taking this medication.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon990198

I had terrible cluster warts on my little toe. I tried every remedy including freezing, but they always came back. Was also getting more and more warts on my hands as time went on. Walked around with duct tape on my fingers, used Compound-W, and nothing eliminated them. Mentioned it to a friend who had used cimetidine so I thought I would give it a try.

I went with a pretty high dosage for about two weeks, then cut that dosage in half. Within a month, nearly all my warts were gone. The toe, which had been an embarrassing mess for over three years now, looks completely normal. I cannot find a single wart on my body now. I now take a single pill every other day as a sort of "maintenance" drug. I am a believer. I am so thankful someone mentioned this to me.

anon959950

"As far as I know though, it hasn't been proven that cimetidine works. It might be acting like a placebo. There needs to be more studies done on it."

No placebo. It works!

anon358684

I used this formula on my 8 year old and it worked well! Cimetidine in doses of 30 to 40 mg per kg of body weight per day can be effective in treating plantar warts.

anon340837

After five laser and five freezing treatments, my doctor suggested using Cimetidine. It was noted that peoples' warts started going away as a side effect when treating stomach acidity with this drug.

anon326870

Oh, but relate it does. Many many people have had success killing warts with Tagamet (Cimetidine).

ysmina

I've researched this medication for my term assignment (I'm studying pharmacology).

Cimetidine can have lots of indirect effects. Lower stomach acidity can affect the absorption of nutrients and vitamins in the digestive system. It can also allow some bacteria to live and grow more easily in the digestive tract leading to gastro-intestinal symptoms. These can be things like diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, etc.

I've also read that long term use of cimetidine can lead to increased estrogen levels. This might be of concern for post-menopausal women.

literally45

@feruze-- Cimetidine suppresses a type of cell we have called T suppressor cells that are responsible for weakening the immune system. So cimetidine helps strengthen the immune system which in turn is able to fight the virus causing the warts better. This is how cimetidine is said to treat warts.

As far as I know though, it hasn't been proven that cimetidine works. It might be acting like a placebo. There needs to be more studies done on it.

bear78

I have taken cimetidine for my stomach and I can't believe the same medication can be used for warts.

I know that cimetidine works by inhibiting histamine which causes stomach acidity. But how does this relate to warts?

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    • Side effects of cimetidine may include drowsiness.
      By: Hemeroskopion
      Side effects of cimetidine may include drowsiness.
    • Some patients have noticed wart improvements within weeks of using cimetidine.
      By: Arve Bettum
      Some patients have noticed wart improvements within weeks of using cimetidine.
    • Warts on a hand.
      By: Tiler84
      Warts on a hand.
    • Cryotherapy is another way to remove warts.
      By: Gordon Lau
      Cryotherapy is another way to remove warts.
    • Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet, and may be avoided by refraining from walking barefoot in public places.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet, and may be avoided by refraining from walking barefoot in public places.
    • A headache is one possible side effect of cimetidine.
      By: jedi-master
      A headache is one possible side effect of cimetidine.