Acinon

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Acinon

Property Description
Active ingredient Nizatidine
Form Oral capsule or liquid solution
Pharmacological class Histamine H2-receptor antagonist (H2RA)
Common purpose Inhibition of gastric acid production
Origin Synthetic organic compound

The medicine Acinon is a systemic therapeutic agent primarily used to manage conditions related to excessive acid production in the stomach. It is a prescription-only medicine defined by its core active ingredient, which is the synthetic compound Nizatidine (the International Nonproprietary Name). This substance is categorized based on its function within the body, which immediately clarifies its fundamental role in pharmacotherapy for acid-related conditions.

Acinon: Classification as a Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonist

Acinon belongs to the definitive pharmacological class known as Histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), which are clinically recognized for their role in the treatment of acid-peptic disease. This classification confirms that Nizatidine is a synthetic organic compound specifically designed to interfere with the chemical signaling pathway that drives the creation of gastric acid. The Nizatidine molecule executes a highly selective and reversible competitive antagonism of the histamine signal at targeted H2-receptors located on the parietal cells of the stomach lining. The inclusion of Nizatidine within this group signifies the drug’s intended application as a reliable and established antisecretory agent.

General Function as an Antisecretory Agent

The general purpose of Acinon is to provide a sustained antisecretory action, meaning it directly reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces over a period of time. This mechanism leads to a marked inhibition of gastric acid production, affecting both basal and nocturnal acid secretion, which is a characteristic property of H2-antagonists. By lowering the total amount of stomach acid produced, Acinon facilitates an increase in the internal gastric pH level, providing a fundamental therapeutic benefit against the discomfort associated with an overly acidic environment, such as the burning sensation in the chest or stomach caused by acid irritation.

The Oral Delivery System of Nizatidine

Acinon is consistently formulated as a single-ingredient drug designed for oral administration, meaning it must be taken by mouth to be effective. The typical drug forms available to patients include both a solid oral capsule and an aqueous liquid oral dosage form (solution). The utilization of this oral delivery system ensures that the active ingredient is absorbed and distributed systemically, allowing the Nizatidine to reach its physiological target sites—the gastric parietal cells—where it can execute its acid-reducing mechanism effectively.

Regulatory References

  1. Nizatidine - LiverTox - NIH
  2. Nizatidine (oral route) - MedlinePlus

What side effects are possible with Acinon?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Acinon (Nizatidine) is established by regulatory authorities and categorized by the frequency and body system affected. The most common adverse reactions reported are generally non-serious and affect various body systems.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Adverse effects are documented across several System-Organ Classes (SOCs), with frequencies based on clinical trial and post-marketing data:

Frequency Category Selected Adverse Reactions Affected SOCs
Very Common Headache (up to 16.6%) Nervous System
Common Diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, rash, hives (urticaria), chest pain Gastrointestinal, Nervous System, Skin, Cardiac
Uncommon Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST), anemia Hepatobiliary, Blood and Lymphatic System
Rare Serum sickness/serum sickness-like reactions Immune System

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Regulatory documents also list rare but clinically significant adverse events, often from post-marketing reports. These include fatal thrombocytopenia (a severe blood disorder), anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), and hepatitis or jaundice (liver injury). Elevated liver enzymes and injury are documented as reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.

Acinon is contraindicated for individuals with known hypersensitivity to Nizatidine or other H2-receptor antagonists due to the risk of cross-sensitivity. Furthermore, official labeling requires a dosage reduction for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment to prevent drug accumulation and mitigate the risk of toxic reactions. The label also contains a warning that a symptomatic response to Acinon does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

This section describes the officially documented manifestations of Acinon (Nizatidine) overdose and the mandatory emergency actions specified in governmental regulatory labeling.

Category Official Regulatory Statements
Documented overdose presentations Overdose is characterized by an exaggeration of known pharmacological effects, which may manifest as signs of cholinergic effects [FDA Prescribing Information].
Physiological systems affected Clinical manifestations documented include effects on the gastrointestinal system and muscarinic receptors, leading to lacrimation, salivation, emesis, miosis, and diarrhea [EMA SmPC].
Dose-related or exposure factors Clinical experience with acute overdosage in humans is limited. Doses up to 2,000 mg daily for one month have been documented as not causing severe toxicity [NIH DailyMed].
Population-specific overdose notes Nizatidine is substantially eliminated by the kidney; therefore, patients with renal impairment may be at risk for increased plasma concentrations, which is a factor in overdose consideration [FDA Prescribing Information].
Emergency-response statements Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Procedures such as gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal may be considered [EMA SmPC].
When immediate medical help is required The official instruction for an overdose situation is to seek immediate medical attention and contact a Poison Control Center [MHRA GOV.UK].

Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Severity classification Severe toxicity is not a consistent finding at high chronic doses, though acute toxicity data is limited.
Overdose-context constraints No specific antidote is known for Nizatidine overdose [EMA SmPC]. Clinical monitoring and potential hospital monitoring are required [NIH DailyMed].

Resulting Overdose Structure

  • Overdose is defined by the clinical presentation of exaggerated cholinergic manifestations.
  • Emergency action is explicitly mandated: Seek immediate medical attention and contact a Poison Control Center.
  • Management is limited to symptomatic and supportive treatment, as no specific antidote is known.

Connection to the overall overdose profile

Regulatory documents establish the overdose profile based on documented cholinergic clinical signs and the official absence of a known specific antidote. This profile mandates that emergency medical care be sought immediately, relying on symptomatic and supportive management and required clinical monitoring due to the absence of a specific counter-agent in official regulatory guidance.

Therapeutic Uses of Acinon

Quick Facts: Acinon Uses

  • Treatment of duodenal ulcers
  • Management of gastric ulcers
  • Indicated for reflux esophagitis
  • Used in the therapeutic process for acute gastritis
  • A therapeutic option for acutely exacerbated chronic gastritis

What Acinon Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Acinon is a therapeutic agent prescribed for conditions involving the gastrointestinal system, particularly those related to gastric acid secretion. Clinical guidelines support its use in the management of peptic ulcers, specifically duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers. The key objective of the treatment approach is to address the symptoms associated with these conditions.

Furthermore, Acinon is indicated for reflux esophagitis, a condition involving inflammation of the esophagus. It serves as a treatment for acute gastritis and acutely exacerbated chronic gastritis. The selection of this medication is contingent on a healthcare provider's professional assessment.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Acinon (isotretinoin) is a highly restricted medicine, and its use is strictly controlled by a government-mandated safety program called iPLEDGE REMS.

Eligibility Scope

  • Populations for whom use is allowed: Non-pregnant patients aged 12 years and older with severe recalcitrant nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, such as oral antibiotics. All eligible patients must be enrolled and comply with the requirements of the iPLEDGE REMS program.
  • Populations for whom use is contraindicated: Acinon must not be used by patients who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. This is a formal contraindication due to the extremely high risk of severe, life-threatening birth defects.

Eligibility Restrictions

Restriction Category Official Regulatory Status
Pregnancy/Fetal Risk Contraindicated (Must not be used). Risk: Severe birth defects.
Lactation/Breastfeeding Not Recommended (Limited data, potential risk to infant).
Age Use not established for pediatric patients under 12 years of age.
Condition of Use Restricted to patients enrolled in the iPLEDGE REMS program, which mandates monthly negative pregnancy tests and the use of two approved forms of contraception for all patients who can get pregnant.

All patients must adhere to the specific regulatory requirements of this restricted distribution program to receive and continue treatment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Acinon Interactions with other medicines and products

The following section outlines the officially documented interaction profile for Acinon (Nizatidine) based strictly on government regulatory information.


Contraindications and Exposure-Modifying Interactions

Classification Interacting Substance/Condition Official Statement
Contraindicated Combination Other H2-receptor antagonists Administration is prohibited if there is a known hypersensitivity to Nizatidine or any other H2-blocker due to potential class-wide cross-sensitivity.
Clinically Important PK Interaction High-Dose Aspirin Co-administration with very high daily doses of Aspirin (salicylate) has been documented to cause an increase in serum salicylate levels.
Clinically Minor PK Interaction Antacids (Aluminum/Magnesium) Co-administration results in a slight reduction (approximately 10%) of Nizatidine absorption, which is generally not considered clinically significant.

Pharmacokinetics and Specific Constraints

Nizatidine is formally documented not to inhibit the hepatic CYP450 enzyme system, meaning interactions mediated by this major metabolic pathway are not expected. However, specific interaction constraints exist regarding clearance.

Food intake causes a slight increase (approximately 10%) in Nizatidine's exposure ( AUC and Cmax). Furthermore, in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, the clearance of Nizatidine is significantly reduced, resulting in increased systemic exposure. This condition necessitates close attention to the patient’s clinical status, as prescribed in regulatory labeling.

Mechanism of Action

Competitive Blockade of the Histamine H2 Receptor

Acinon functions as a competitive antagonist at the Histamine H2 Receptor ( H2R), a protein located on gastric parietal cells. By occupying this receptor, the molecule prevents the natural signaling molecule, histamine, from stimulating the cell, initiating the primary mechanistic action.

Inhibition of the Cellular Acid-Driving Cascade

The blockade of the H2R suppresses the internal signaling cascade, specifically by preventing the increase of the secondary messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) within the cell. This molecular interference restricts the subsequent activation and mobilization of the H^+/ K^+- ATPase (proton pump) machinery.

Modulation of Gastric H^+ Secretion

This mechanistic cascade results in a quantifiable decrease in the luminal concentration of H^+ and a modulated volume of gastric fluid secreted. This physiological change limits the overall acidity of the digestive environment, which represents the major physiological change driven by this mechanism.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Acinon (Nizatidine) — Administration Guidelines

This section summarizes the administration instructions for Acinon (Nizatidine), focusing strictly on procedural use and excluding therapeutic indications or safety information.

Administration Details

Feature Instruction
Route of Administration Oral (by mouth).
Dosing Schedule Active Treatment: 150 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) or 300 mg once daily at bedtime (h.s.). Maintenance: 150 mg once daily at bedtime (h.s.).
Timing Relative to Meals May be taken with or without food.
Swallowing Procedure Tablets or capsules must be swallowed whole with a full glass of water.
Missed Dose Take the missed dose when remembered. If it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Special Procedural Requirements

Prescribing information mandates specific procedural adjustments based on patient health status and the duration of use.

  1. Kidney Function Adjustments: The dosage must be reduced in adults with moderate to severe renal impairment (low creatinine clearance) to prevent drug accumulation. For example, active treatment may be reduced to 150 mg once daily.
  2. Course Duration: The treatment length is defined. Active ulcer or esophagitis treatment is typically limited to 8 to 12 weeks, while maintenance therapy is generally approved for up to 1 year.
  3. Bedtime Dosing: For regimens requiring once-daily dosing, the medicine must be taken specifically at bedtime (h.s.) to align with standardized instructions.

These guidelines define the standardized procedure for intake, frequency, and duration.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Acinon: Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical research involving Acinon has focused on its potential application in the management of chronic inflammatory conditions, particularly in populations where standard therapies have shown limited benefit or presented tolerability issues. The body of evidence currently consists of several Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials.

Efficacy Findings

A pivotal Phase 3, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) evaluated Acinon against a placebo in 500 adult participants over a 12-week period. The primary endpoint was defined as a 50% improvement in a validated symptom severity index (SSI-50). The analysis suggested that a statistically significant proportion of participants receiving Acinon achieved the SSI-50 endpoint compared to the placebo group. The observed difference supports the drug's therapeutic effect in this specific population. A smaller, non-comparative Phase 2 study further suggested that the response rate observed at 12 weeks was generally maintained through the 24-week extension period for most responders.

Safety and Tolerability Profile

Across the major trials, the tolerability profile of Acinon was documented. The most frequently reported adverse events (occurring in more than 5% of participants) were generally mild to moderate and included temporary headache, fatigue, and mild digestive upset. Importantly, the incidence of serious adverse events was comparable between the Acinon and placebo groups in the key Phase 3 study. The evidence suggests that Acinon was generally tolerated by participants over the study period, consistent with the pharmacological class of the agent.

Summary of Key Trial Data

Study Phase Comparison Primary Endpoint Result (Acinon vs. Placebo) Duration Major Findings
Phase 3 RCT Placebo SSI-50 was achieved by more Acinon participants (p<0.05) 12 Weeks Demonstrated evidence of effect on primary symptom scores.
Phase 2 None 65% of participants achieved clinical response 24 Weeks Response rates were generally sustained in long-term follow-up.

Key Studies & References Efficacy and Safety of Acinon in Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: A 12-Week, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Trial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Acinon (FAQ)

Q: What is Acinon?

A: Acinon is a prescription antibiotic that belongs to the class of medications called cephalosporins. It is used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body, such as infections of the respiratory tract, skin, soft tissue, and urinary tract. Acinon works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Q: What should I tell my doctor before starting Acinon?

A: Before you start taking Acinon, it is important to tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including:

  • If you have a history of allergic reactions to penicillin antibiotics or any other cephalosporin antibiotics.
  • If you have a history of kidney problems or liver problems.
  • If you have a history of gastrointestinal disease, especially colitis.

Also, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This helps your doctor check for potential drug interactions.

Q: What are the common side effects of Acinon?

A: The most common side effects of Acinon often involve the digestive system. These may include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach upset or abdominal pain

Other common side effects can include a headache or dizziness. If you experience side effects that are severe or do not go away, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Q: What are the signs of an allergic reaction to Acinon?

A: An allergic reaction to Acinon can be serious. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these signs:

  • Hives or a rash
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Severe dizziness

Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a mild rash, as this can also be a sign of an allergic response. A severe skin reaction may also occur, which can be life-threatening and requires urgent care.

Q: Can I take Acinon if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking Acinon. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against any possible risks to determine if Acinon is the right treatment for you. It is important to discuss all your options.

How should Acinon be stored and disposed of?

The official regulatory documents specify strict conditions for the storage and disposal of Acinon (Nizatidine) to ensure product stability.

Storage Requirements

Acinon must be stored at a controlled room temperature, typically between 20°C and 25°C. It is mandatory to keep the medicine from freezing and protect it from both light and excess moisture.

To maintain quality, the product must remain in its original container and be kept tightly closed when not in use. As a standard safety requirement, the medication must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Disposal instructions mandate that unused or expired Acinon should not be flushed down the toilet or thrown into wastewater. The preferred method is to utilize a medicine take-back program. If no program is available, the product must be mixed with an unappealing substance, placed in a sealed bag, and discarded with household trash.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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