Possible Interaction: Ethanol and Nizatidine

“We refer to studies, primarily by Lieber and colleagues, indicating that therapeutic doses of cimetidine, ranitidine, and nizatidine , but not famotidine, elevate blood ethanol levels in nonalcoholic men following ingestion of moderate amounts of alcohol (approximately one or two glasses of wine or cans of beer) [2-4].”

“Both ranitidine and nizatidine enhanced the absorption of small doses of alcohol (0.15 g/kg) in the morning by 63% and 64% and increased Cmax by 48% and 54% respectively (p less than 0.001), effects similar to those reported by others for cimetidine.”

“It is concluded that some H2-receptor antagonists (cimetidine and nizatidine , in particular) can inhibit gastric ethanol oxidation and thus increase blood alcohol levels after drinking.”

“Expert opinion: At doses of 0.15–0.30 mg/kg in the postprandial state (primarily after breakfast), the H2-receptor antagonists: cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, and nizatidine have all been found to increase the first-pass metabolism of ethanol.”