cimetidine vs empagliflozin/linagliptin

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Side-by-side comparison of cimetidine and empagliflozin/linagliptin. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

moderate Known Drug Interaction

Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance Clinical Impact Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2] / multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Drug Class
cimetidine H2 Receptor Antagonist
empagliflozin/linagliptin SGLT2 / DPP-4 Combination
Type
cimetidine Over-the-Counter
empagliflozin/linagliptin Prescription
Summary
cimetidine

Cimetidine (Tagamet) reduces stomach acid. It is used to treat ulcers, heartburn, and other conditions where too much acid is produced.

empagliflozin/linagliptin

Glyxambi is a drug that combines three medicines to help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can also lower the risk of death from heart problems in those with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

What It Treats
cimetidine

Cimetidine treats active duodenal ulcers for short periods. It can also be used long-term at a lower dose to prevent ulcers from returning. This medicine also treats active benign gastric ulcers for a short time. Additionally, it can help with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which damages the esophagus.

empagliflozin/linagliptin

Glyxambi is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It should be used along with diet and exercise. Glyxambi can also help lower the risk of death caused by heart problems if you have both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is not for people with type 1 diabetes.

How It Works
cimetidine

Cimetidine is an H2 receptor antagonist. This means it blocks histamine from attaching to certain cells in your stomach. By blocking histamine, cimetidine reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.

empagliflozin/linagliptin

Glyxambi works in three ways to lower blood sugar. Empagliflozin helps your kidneys remove sugar from your blood through urine. Linagliptin helps your body release more insulin after meals. Metformin helps to decrease the amount of sugar your liver makes and helps your body use insulin better.

Common Side Effects
cimetidine
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
empagliflozin/linagliptin
  • Upper respiratory infection (like a cold)
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
FAERS Reports
cimetidine
  • Chronic Kidney Disease 1,264
  • Acute Kidney Injury 710
  • Renal Failure 694
  • Nausea 681
  • Fatigue 598
empagliflozin/linagliptin
  • Increased blood sugar 146
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis 144
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 102
  • Fungal infection 92
  • Weight loss 86
Serious Warnings
cimetidine

Reversible confusional states (like mental confusion, agitation, or hallucinations) have been reported, mostly in severely ill patients. These usually appear within 2-3 days of starting treatment and clear up within 3-4 days of stopping the drug.

empagliflozin/linagliptin

Glyxambi contains metformin, which can cause a serious side effect called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. It can be life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms like feeling very weak, tired, or uncomfortable; unusual muscle pain; trouble breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feeling cold, especially in your arms and legs; feeling dizzy or lightheaded; or a sudden change in your heartbeat.

Pregnancy
cimetidine

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. The effects of cimetidine during pregnancy are not fully known. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking cimetidine while breastfeeding.

empagliflozin/linagliptin

Glyxambi is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to potential harm to the baby's kidneys. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This cimetidine vs empagliflozin/linagliptin Comparison

cimetidine is classified in the H2 Receptor Antagonist drug class, while empagliflozin/linagliptin sits within the SGLT2 / DPP-4 Combination class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are split between OTC and prescription status, which affects access and supervision.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, cimetidine has 3,947 submissions while empagliflozin/linagliptin has 570. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known moderate interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to cimetidine interferes with how the kidneys get rid of metformin, which can cause the drug to build up in your body. high levels of metformin increase the risk of a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for cimetidine or empagliflozin/linagliptin.

Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.