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Tagamet | Cimetidine Molluscum Treatment
Histamine a chemical that is produced in the body that has multiple roles. There are three main receptors (H1, H2, and H3) in the body which impact the skin and respiratory system (conditions like hives, allergies, asthma, etc.), the gastrointestinal tract (production of acid for digestion) and the immune system. It is actually thought that some histamine receptors may be invovled in keeping the immune system "in check." Thus, inhibiting the activity of histamine in this situation may actually "un-inhibit" and increase the response of the immune system helping it to fight off infectious processes such as viruses. This is the thought behind why Tagamet may be helpful for treating molluscum. Cimetidine molluscum treatment was found to be effective in 10 out of 13 children in one study at a dose of 40mg/kg/day for two months showing complete resolution in the 10 who responded1. Other studies however have shown that tagamet molluscum therapy is ineffective2. While this over the counter medication appears well tolerated and safe, it appears that the jury is still out as to its true efficacy and you should always consult your doctor prior to initiating any therapy with cimeditine for your molluscum contagiosum. 1Pediatr Dermatol. 1996 Jul-Aug;13(4):310-2. 2Pediatr Dermatol. 1998 Jan-Feb;15(1):71-2.
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Tagamet (Cimetidine) is an oral antihistamine
that is most commonly used for acid reflux.
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