07/25/2005    Robert K. Hall, DPM

Cimetidine for Warts in Children

Query: Cimetidine for Warts in Children

Re-visiting this issue, several journal articles
in the J Amer Acad
Dermatology (Orlo & Paller, 1993; Fischer &
Rogers, 1997) tout the
efficacy of Tagamet, 20-40mg/kg in 3 divided
doses (20kg=200 mg tid;
40kg=400mg tid; under 20 kg=??) as effective
treatment for papiloma
lesions in children. They indicate 80-95%+
clearing with low side
effects (nausea/diarrhea). It is available as
200 mg OTC. I give the
data for the pediatrician to Rx. Unfortunately,
many peds have no
information on this off-label use & thus are
skeptical. Parents
often give funny looks. "Can't you just cut them
out?"

Any feedback of experience, efficacy, side-
effects or scope of
practice (DPM's don't treat ulcers) issues are
welcome. This
treatment, if safe & effective, sure beats
multiple excision &
currettage- screaming kids & high recurrence
rates.

Robert K. Hall, DPM
Ft Lauderdale, FL
robertkhalldpm@bellsouth.net

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