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Famotidine

Peptic Esophagitis, Duodenal Ulcer ... show more

DRUG STATUS

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Approvals

US(FDA), UK(BNF)

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Essential Medicine

NO

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Teratogenicity

N/A

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Pharmaceutical Class

Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist

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Drug Ingredient

Famotidine

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Summary

  • Famotidine is used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions where the stomach makes too much acid. It can be used in adults, children, and even babies.

  • Famotidine works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It blocks histamine at the H2 receptors in the stomach lining, which decreases acid secretion.

  • For adults with healthy kidneys, the dosage depends on the condition. For severe ulcers or heartburn, you might take 20mg or 40mg twice a day. For less severe heartburn, 20mg twice a day may be enough. For children and babies, the dosage is based on their weight and is usually lower.

  • The most common side effects are headache, dizziness, and constipation. Less common effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and skin problems like rash or itching. Rarely, it can cause heart, liver, or blood cell problems, or allergic reactions.

  • Don't take Famotidine if you're allergic to it or similar medicines. If you have trouble swallowing, vomit blood, or have bloody or black bowel movements, see a doctor immediately. Children under 12 should see a doctor before taking this medicine.

Indications and Purpose

What is Famotidine used for?

Famotidine is a medicine that helps with stomach problems. It treats sores in the stomach and intestines (ulcers), heartburn (GERD), and other conditions where the stomach makes too much acid. It works in adults and children, even babies, to help heal these problems and keep them from coming back.

How does Famotidine work?

Famotidine helps with heartburn. It works by reducing stomach acid. Take one pill with water 15 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking things that cause your heartburn. Don't take more than two pills in a whole day.

Is Famotidine effective?

Famotidine helps heal stomach ulcers. A study showed that it worked much better than a sugar pill (placebo): most people were healed within 8 weeks. It also helps babies and children with stomach acid problems.

How does one know if Famotidine is working?

Reduction in symptoms such as heartburn, stomach pain, or acid regurgitation indicates the medicine is effective. Endoscopic evaluations may also show improvement in ulcers or esophagitis​.

Directions for Use

What is the usual dose of Famotidine?

Famotidine is a medicine for stomach problems. For grown-ups with healthy kidneys, the amount you take depends on what's wrong. If you have a bad ulcer or a damaged esophagus, you might take 20 to 40 milligrams twice a day. For less severe heartburn, 20 milligrams twice a day may be enough. Children's doses are much smaller and based on their weight, starting low and going up as needed, but never exceeding 40mg per day. Babies also have a lower starting dose. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

How do I take Famotidine?

Take one famotidine tablet (10mg) with water 15 to 60 minutes before you eat or drink anything that usually gives you heartburn. Don't take more than two tablets in a whole day. Swallow the tablet whole; don't chew it.

For how long do I take Famotidine?

Famotidine treatment time depends on what you're treating. For ulcers, it's usually up to 8 weeks. For heartburn, it's up to 6 weeks, or longer if your esophagus is damaged (up to 12 weeks). To stop ulcers from coming back, you might take it for a whole year. Kids might take it for 8 weeks to a year.

How long does it take for Famotidine to start working?

Famotidine starts reducing stomach acid within 1–3 hours after oral administration, with maximum effect seen between 1 and 3 hours​

How should I store Famotidine?

Store Famotidine at 20–25°C (68–77°F), away from moisture and freezing. Discard unused liquid suspension after 30 days​.

Warnings and Precautions

Who should avoid taking Famotidine?

Don't take this medicine if you're allergic to it or similar medicines. If you have trouble swallowing, vomit blood, or have bloody or black bowel movements, see a doctor right away—these could be signs of a serious problem. Don't take it with other stomach acid medicines. If your child is under 12, ask a doctor before giving it to them.

Can I take Famotidine with other prescription drugs?

Famotidine can interfere with how some other medicines are absorbed into your body, so it shouldn't be taken with certain drugs like dasatinib, delavirdine, cefditoren, and fosamprenavir. It can also slightly raise the levels of tizanidine in your blood, possibly causing low blood pressure, slow heart rate, or sleepiness. While it interacts with probenecid, the effect isn't known to be harmful. Finally, it's safe to take with metformin.

Can I take Famotidine with vitamins or supplements?

Famotidine may interfere with the absorption of drugs or supplements that require stomach acid for proper absorption (e.g., iron or calcium carbonate). Consult your doctor before combining​

Can Famotidine be taken safely while pregnant?

Limited data suggest no major risks during pregnancy, but it should only be used if clearly needed. Consult your doctor to weigh potential benefits and risks.

Can Famotidine be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Famotidine is excreted in breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. However, discuss its use with your doctor if breastfeeding​.

Is Famotidine safe for the elderly?

Famotidine is a medicine that's mostly removed from the body through the kidneys. Older people, especially those with weak kidneys, might have a slightly higher chance of side effects. However, big studies haven't shown this medicine is actually less safe or effective for older people compared to younger people. Some older people have reported problems affecting their brain (like dizziness or confusion), even if their kidneys worked fine.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Famotidine?

Exercise is generally safe with Famotidine. If dizziness or fatigue occurs, adjust your activity level and consult a doctor if needed​.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Famotidine?

Alcohol may irritate the stomach lining, potentially reducing the effectiveness of Famotidine. Moderate consumption is unlikely to cause severe issues but should be discussed with a doctor​.