Famotidine

What is Famotidine?

Famotidine works to decrease stomach acidity. Famotidine can be used to treat or prevent ulcers of the stomach and intestines. It is also used to treat conditions where the stomach produces excessive acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Famotidine can also be used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and related conditions where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus causing chronic heartburn. This medicine is not ranitidine. It was removed from the market in America.

Warnings

Tell your doctor before taking famotidine if you suffer from kidney or liver problems, have a history or stomach cancer, Long QT syndrome or any other problem, or if you experience asthma, COPD or other breathing issues. Famotidine is often part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes lifestyle or dietary changes. You should follow your doctor's advice. Heartburn may be mistaken as the early symptoms of an attack. If you experience chest pain, heavy feeling in jaw, arm, shoulder area and/or sweaty body sensation or feel nauseated sweaty anxious or light-headed seek medical care immediately!

Before you take this drug

This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to famotidine or other similar medications such as ranitidine (Zantac), tagamet (cimetidine), or axid (nizatidine).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Cancer stomach

• Long-QT syndrome

Consult your doctor before taking famotidine while pregnant or nursing.

Similar/related drugs

omeprazole, pantoprazole, Protonix, esomeprazole, Nexium, урсам, and Pepcid

How to take Famotidine?

Follow the directions on the label or those prescribed by your doctor when using famotidine. Famotidine is administered orally through the mouth. Famotidine infusion is administered as an injection into a vein. If your medication cannot be taken by mouth, a healthcare provider can give an injection instead. Famotidine may be taken orally with or without food. Before using liquid Pepcid (liquid suspension), be sure to shake its bottle vigorously for 5-10 seconds prior to each dose. Dosage measurement should also be conducted accurately using either an official dosing device (not spoon!) or dose measuring tools such as dosimeters. Your ulcer could take as long as 8 weeks to completely heal; take any prescribed medication in accordance with its directions for use. If the condition that you are treating does not improve or worsens while taking this medication, call your doctor. Famotidine is often part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes dietary or lifestyle changes. Please follow the instructions from your doctor or dietitian. Store away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze the liquid medication. Do not use any liquids that are older than 30 days.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one.Do not take two doses of any medicine at the same time. This could potentially have serious adverse reactions.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

Avoid alcohol. You can damage your stomach if you drink alcohol. You should not take any other stomach acid-reducing medications unless you have been told to by your doctor. You can take famotidine with an antacid such as Maalox (or Mylanta), Gaviscon (or Milk of Magnesia), Rolaids, or Tums.

Side effects of Famotidine

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction to Famotidine, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue or throat.

If you experience:

• Lack of energy, confusion, hallucinations;

• A seizure;

• Sudden dizziness, or rapid heartbeats;

• Unexplained weakness, pain or tenderness in the muscles, especially if you have a fever, unusual fatigue, and dark urine.

Some side effects are more common in older adults or in those with severe kidney disease.

Side effects of famotidine include:

• Headache;

• Dizziness;

• Diarrhea or constipation.

There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if needing advice about reported effects.

Interaction with other drug

Famotidine oral may make it more difficult for your body to absorb other medications you take. Tell your doctor about:

• Cefditoren;

• Dasatinib;

• Delavirdine;

• Fosamprenavir;

• Take tizanidine if you take famotidine.

This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may interact with famotidine. This list does not encompass all possible drug interactions.