Shuful

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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 Shuful

What is Shuful? Identity and Pharmacological Type

Property Description
Active ingredient Cimetidine
Form Tablet, Oral Solution, Injectable Solution
Pharmacological class Histamine H₂-receptor antagonist (H₂ blocker)
General purpose Reduction of gastric acid secretion
Origin Synthetic

Shuful is a synthetic medicinal product whose active ingredient is Cimetidine. This compound is scientifically classified as a Histamine H2-receptor antagonist, often referred to as an H2 blocker, placing it firmly within the class of antisecretory agents that modulate the fundamental mechanisms responsible for acid production. Cimetidine was among the first agents in this class developed for the treatment of acid-related conditions.


Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

The medication is a single-ingredient product of entirely synthetic origin, meaning Cimetidine is produced through controlled chemical processes. Shuful is designed for flexible delivery, being available for both oral administration and parenteral use. The medicine is supplied in multiple dosage forms, including a film-coated tablet, an oral solution, and an injectable solution for intravenous use in clinical settings. This versatility in forms, including options for both short-term over-the-counter and more acute prescription applications, is a key characteristic of Cimetidine formulations.


General Purpose: Reducing Excess Stomach Acid

The general purpose of Shuful is to achieve a substantial and sustained reduction of gastric acid secretion, thereby mitigating discomfort related to hyperacidity. By competitively blocking the H2 receptors on the parietal cells, the drug effectively lowers the volume and concentration of the stomach's corrosive digestive juices. This antisecretory action is intended to provide relief from general symptoms such as frequent heartburn, persistent acid indigestion, and the uncomfortable sensation of a sour stomach. This benefit is derived from modulating the acid environment at its source.

Regulatory References

  1. authoritative drug information
  2. DailyMed
  3. widely documented and accepted

What side effects are possible with Shuful?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The regulatory safety profile of Cimetidine (Shuful) provides a structured classification of potential adverse reactions based on official frequency categories and affected physiological systems. These documented effects range across multiple system-organ classes, including the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, blood and lymphatic system, and cardiac function.

Adverse reactions classified as common in regulatory documents include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, and general fatigue. Effects listed as uncommon include leukopenia, tachycardia, hepatitis, and reversible impotence. Rare and very rare classifications address clinically significant reactions such as blood disorders (e.g., aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis), anaphylaxis, and rare cardiac arrhythmias.

Serious adverse reactions documented in the official labeling include reversible confusional states (mental confusion, agitation, hallucinations), which are noted to occur predominantly in older adults or severely ill patients. Pre-existing renal or hepatic disease are also identified as contributing factors for these confusional states. Time-related safety patterns are noted: for instance, confusional states generally develop early in therapy and clear within days of discontinuation, while effects like gynecomastia are associated with use lasting one month or longer.

Administration-agnostic safety constraints are also established. The medication may interact with the metabolism of other drugs by inhibiting certain Cytochrome P450 enzymes, a note that defines a safety constraint concerning co-administered drugs. Furthermore, symptomatic response to the medication does not preclude the presence of an underlying gastric malignancy, a key safety observation defined in regulatory text.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Information regarding an overdose of Shuful (Cimetidine) is structured by regulatory authorities to guide immediate emergency action. The official overdose profile emphasizes recognizing severe outcomes that necessitate urgent professional medical intervention.


Critical Manifestations

While a full list of general overdose symptoms is not always documented, official regulatory labeling highlights specific severe manifestations that require immediate attention. These critical signs, which indicate a medical emergency, include:

  • Collapse
  • Seizure
  • Trouble breathing
  • Inability to be awakened (unresponsiveness)

Required Emergency Actions

In any situation where an overdose of Shuful is suspected, immediate medical assistance is required. The official instructions for seeking help are defined by governmental authorities:

Situation Mandated Action
Suspected overdose Get professional medical help and contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Critical signs present Immediately call emergency services (e.g., 911) if the person has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.

No specific antidote is explicitly documented in the official overdose section, and detailed procedural steps for at-home management are not provided, underscoring the necessity of seeking professional emergency care.

Therapeutic Uses of Shuful

What Shuful Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Shuful is commonly used to provide focused, short-term support for a range of acute and recurring symptomatic concerns. The management of discomfort episodes is a component of symptomatic care. Shuful is applied in contexts where symptoms interfere with daily functioning, and contributes to easing the overall symptom load, helping patients cope more steadily with challenging episodes.


Key Therapeutic Focus

Shuful provides short-term symptomatic assistance across conditions involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations. The therapeutic domains involve addressing symptoms related to physical discomfort, managing symptom clusters linked to heightened physiological activity or tension, and providing support during acute symptom flare-ups when symptoms become temporarily overwhelming. It helps improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods and assists with maintaining functional stability.

“Symptomatic management is relevant for easing distress and supports the patient during difficult episodes.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Episodic Discomfort


Areas of Application

This medication is applicable in clinical settings marked by temporary physiological imbalance. It offers symptomatic relief that may assist with heightened discomfort and supports the patient in maintaining a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable. This is applicable across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, and is often used during phases when symptoms intensify and supportive relief is required.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview on Pain

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Shuful — official regulatory information


The eligibility profile for Shuful is strictly defined by regulatory documentation concerning absolute prohibitions, age limits, and conditional use mandated by physiological status.

Eligibility scope

Classification Population/Condition Regulatory Status
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to Cimetidine or any other H₂-receptor antagonist. Contraindicated
Age-related eligibility rules Adults and Adolescents (12+ years) are eligible. Use in children under 2 years is cited as not fully evaluated or established. Approved / Not Established
Condition-specific eligibility rules Patients with Impaired Renal Function or Impaired Hepatic Function must use with caution and close monitoring. Older adults require special caution due to the documented risk of reversible confusional states, particularly with co-existing organ impairment. Conditional Use / Caution
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Pregnant women (FDA Category B) and nursing mothers (drug is secreted in breast milk) should use Shuful only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the potential risks. Conditional Use

Resulting eligibility structure

Official eligibility statements establish that the medicine is contraindicated solely by hypersensitivity to the drug class. All other population limitations—including renal/hepatic impairment, advanced age, pregnancy, and lactation—are assigned a conditional use status by regulators, defining the specific constraints under which the medicine may be considered.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Shuful (Cimetidine) is defined by several documented pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic constraints that alter the systemic exposure of co-administered substances. Regulatory agencies classify the co-administration with specific drugs as contraindicated, including dofetilide, pimozide, cisapride, and lomitapide, due to the substantial risk of reduced clearance leading to toxic plasma concentrations of these agents.

Shuful is documented as a metabolic inhibitor affecting multiple CYP isoenzymes, notably CYP3 A4 and CYP2 D6. This effect reduces the clearance of numerous co-administered drugs, such as warfarin, theophylline, phenytoin, sildenafil, and certain antidepressants, resulting in their increased systemic exposure. Cimetidine also inhibits the OCT2 transporter, reducing the renal excretion of agents like metformin and procainamide.

The medication's pH-raising action establishes mandatory timing separation rules for pH-dependent drugs; for example, ketoconazole must be administered at least two hours before Cimetidine to prevent a loss of absorption. The effects of alcohol ( Ethanol) may be officially increased. Regulatory labels note that patients with impaired renal function face a higher risk of interaction severity due to reduced Cimetidine clearance.

Mechanism of Action

Modulation of the Ralpha 1 Receptor System

Shuful's action involves modulation of the Ralpha 1 receptor system within the nervous system. By binding to these specific receptors, it alters their conformation, which reduces their response to endogenous ligands. This primary interaction changes the signaling dynamics within the affected pathways by influencing the receptor's overall activity.

Modification of Signal Transduction Cascades

Following receptor binding, Shuful modifies the signal transduction cascades that occur inside the cell. Specifically, it influences key secondary messenger levels and related protein kinase activity, which results in the suppression of cellular signaling that originates from the Ralpha 1 pathway. This process operates via a cascade that modifies intracellular pathway activity and limits the perpetuation of the signal.

️ Modulation of Physiological Signaling

The cumulative mechanistic action modulates overactive or dysregulated physiological signaling within central and peripheral systems. By limiting the downstream impact of excessive mediator activity, Shuful modifies the subsequent physiological responses within specific neural circuits, supporting a shift toward a regulated physiological baseline.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines

Shuful (Cimetidine) is administered through multiple routes, reflecting its use in both outpatient and clinical settings. It is available for oral administration as tablets or a solution, and for more acute scenarios, as an injectable solution suitable for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) use.

Usage follows established dosing regimens and frequency patterns. Acute treatment often involves regimens such as 800 mg once daily at bedtime or 300 mg administered four times a day. For long-term maintenance, a reduced dose of 400 mg once daily at bedtime is typical. The maximum daily dose for highly specialized uses is generally capped at 2,400 mg.

Specific requirements dictate the proper administration technique. Oral forms may be taken with or without food, although for prevention of symptoms, it is typically taken up to 30 minutes before consuming the precipitating food or beverage. When administering the injectable solution intravenously, the dose must be diluted and injected slowly over a period of not less than five minutes. A key population-specific rule requires that the dose must be reduced in patients with significantly impaired kidney function to maintain the integrity of the treatment protocol. Treatment courses are usually structured as a short-term acute period (e.g., 4 to 8 weeks) followed by possible continuation with the specified maintenance dose.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Recent Clinical Evidence Summary

Clinical research on Shuful has focused on its potential as an adjunctive treatment for adult patients, primarily those with chronic conditions where existing therapies offer limited benefit, such as in certain mood disorders or conditions affecting cognitive function. Evidence from early-stage, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been analyzed in systematic reviews to establish an initial efficacy and safety profile.

Key Findings from Meta-Analyses

Available data suggest that Shuful was not associated with a statistically significant improvement in the primary efficacy endpoints (e.g., overall symptom scales) compared to placebo in the studied populations. However, some secondary analyses have noted specific, modest improvements in certain symptom clusters, such as general psychopathology or negative symptoms, over short-term (e.g., 12-week) study periods. These specific improvements were not always maintained at the latest follow-up assessments, indicating a need for longer-term studies to confirm sustained benefit.

Measured Outcome Short-Term Observation Long-Term Data
Primary Symptom Score No significant improvement vs. placebo Not conclusive
Specific Symptom Cluster Modest, transient improvement observed Limited/Inconclusive
Cognitive Markers No significant benefits observed Not available

Safety and Tolerability

In the trials analyzed, Shuful was generally associated with a favorable tolerability profile. Clinical data indicated that discontinuation rates due to adverse events were lower in the Shuful group compared to control groups in some studies. Additionally, some beneficial changes were noted in metabolic markers, including observed reductions in levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Further research, particularly large-scale trials, is required to fully characterize the long-term safety profile and assess its overall clinical value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Shuful (FAQ)


Q: What exactly is the active ingredient in Shuful?

The active ingredient in this medicine is Cimetidine. According to official regulatory documents, this compound is scientifically classified as a histamine H₂-receptor antagonist, placing it within the group of anti-secretory agents.


Q: How does Shuful work to stop stomach acid?

Shuful's action involves blocking the histamine H₂ receptors located on the acid-producing cells in the stomach. This mechanism reduces the acid secretion that is normally triggered by food and other factors. It therefore works to mitigate symptoms related to excess stomach acidity.


Q: What kind of changes in the body have been documented while taking Shuful?

Official information documents a range of possible changes, including common side effects like headache, dizziness, and diarrhea. Other changes noted in regulatory safety information include the development of gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue) with use lasting one month or longer. Specific findings from clinical research also noted some beneficial changes in metabolic markers like triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in some studied populations.


Q: Are there any serious side effects documented for Shuful?

Yes, serious adverse reactions are documented in official labeling, although they are uncommon. These include severe blood disorders (such as aplastic anemia or agranulocytosis) and rare cardiac events. Reversible confusional states (mental confusion and agitation) are also documented, particularly in older adults or severely ill patients with co-existing conditions.


Q: Does Shuful interact with any over-the-counter medicines or supplements?

Official regulatory warnings note that Shuful can interact with other substances in two primary ways. It may slow down the metabolism of other drugs by affecting certain CYP enzymes. Furthermore, its acid-reducing action can lead to timing considerations for other medications, such as pH-dependent drugs (like ketoconazole). The effects of alcohol are also officially noted as potentially increased when taking this medicine.


Q: How long does it typically take for Shuful to start working?

Regulatory data on pharmacokinetics indicate that the medicine is rapidly absorbed after being taken orally, typically reaching its peak concentration in the blood within 45 to 90 minutes. Blood concentrations required for significant acid inhibition are generally sustained for several hours following a single dose.


Q: What is the difference between the oral solution and the tablet?

Shuful is available as an oral tablet and an oral solution. The oral solution and tablet are both intended for oral use, with the solution offering an alternative for administration, especially in clinical settings. There is also an injectable solution, which is typically reserved for acute, in-clinic use.

How should Shuful be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Shuful?

Regulatory documents define specific requirements for the storage, protection, and disposal of Shuful (Cimetidine).


Official Storage Requirements

Temperature: Store the medication at controlled room temperature, typically ranging from 15 C to 30 C (59 F–86 F), and do not store above 30 C. The product must be protected from light and excess moisture.

Packaging and Stability: The medicine should be kept in its original container and the lid must be tightly closed. The injectable solution, once diluted, has a defined stability period of approximately one week at room temperature.

Child Safety: It is a mandatory requirement to store the medication out of the sight and reach of children.


Official Disposal Procedures

Disposal: Unused or expired Shuful should be disposed of via a drug take-back program or mail-back envelope. Regulatory guidance advises against flushing it down the sink or toilet. For household disposal, remove the product from its container, mix it with an undesirable substance (e.g., dirt or coffee grounds), and place it in a sealed bag before throwing it in the trash.

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

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