FAMOTIDINE - ORAL

FAMOTIDINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (fam-OH-tih-dine)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pepcid

GENERIC NAME(S): famotidine

Uses

USES: Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and to prevent intestinal ulcers from coming back after they have healed. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems (such as erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as cough that doesn't go away, stomach pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Famotidine belongs to a class of drugs known as H2 blockers. This medication is also available without a prescription. It is used to prevent and treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach (acid indigestion). If you are taking this medication for self-treatment, it is important to read the manufacturer's package instructions carefully so you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist.


How to use FAMOTIDINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. If you are taking this medication once daily, it is usually taken at bedtime. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage may also be based on body weight. You may take other medications (e.g., antacids) for your condition as recommended by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval because this may delay healing of the ulcer. If you are using nonprescription famotidine for self-treatment of acid indigestion or heartburn, take 1 tablet by mouth with a glass of water as needed. To prevent heartburn, take 1 tablet by mouth with a glass of water 15-60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause heartburn. Do not use more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor. Do not take for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, constipation, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), mental/mood changes (e.g., restlessness, confusion, depression, hallucinations), seizure. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking famotidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 blockers (such as cimetidine, ranitidine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors). Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Get medical help right away if you have: heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating), unexplained weight loss. In addition, before you self-treat with this medication, get medical help right away if you have any of these signs of a serious condition: trouble/pain swallowing food, bloody vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody/black stools, heartburn for over 3 months, frequent chest pain, frequent wheezing (especially with heartburn), nausea/vomiting, stomach pain. Do not use to treat children younger than 12 unless directed by the doctor. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion. Famotidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products need stomach acid so that the body can absorb them properly. Famotidine decreases stomach acid, so it may change how well these products work. Some affected products include atazanavir, dasatinib, delavirdine, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), pazopanib, among others. Do not take this medication with other products that contain famotidine or other H2 blockers (cimetidine, nizatidine, ranitidine).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for FAMOTIDINE - ORAL

Famotidine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called H2 blockers. It is used to treat conditions such as stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and excessive stomach acid production.

Famotidine works by reducing the production of stomach acid. It does this by blocking the action of histamine, a substance that is responsible for stimulating acid secretion in the stomach.

Famotidine is commonly used for the treatment and prevention of ulcers in the stomach and intestines, relief of GERD symptoms, and excessive acid production caused by conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Famotidine is usually taken orally, usually once or twice daily, with or without food. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare professional.

Common side effects of famotidine may include headache, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pain. However, these side effects are generally mild and temporary.

Famotidine may interact with certain medications, such as antacids, sucralfate, and stomach acid reducers. It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using famotidine during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as the potential risks and benefits need to be evaluated.

Famotidine starts working within 1 to 2 hours after taking the medication. However, it may take several days of continuous use to experience the full benefits.

Famotidine can be used for long-term management of certain conditions, such as GERD. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate duration of therapy.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.