Famotidine

Uses of  Famotidine

Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Famotidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Famotidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking famotidine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a history of Long QT syndrome, stomach cancer or other problems, or asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems.

Famotidine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.

Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the jaw, arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, anxiety, light-headedness and a general ill feeling.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or similar medicines such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), or nizatidine (Axid).

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• cancer stomach; or
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

Ask a doctor before using famotidine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage

Typical Dosages of Famotidine Tablets:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Mild to Moderate Symptoms: 20 mg twice daily for up to 6 weeks.

Active Duodenal Ulcer: Initial Treatment: 40 mg once daily at bedtime for 4–8 weeks.

Active Gastric Ulcer: 40 mg once daily at bedtime for 4–8 weeks.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions): Initial dose: 20 mg every 6 hours.

Prevention of Heartburn (Over-the-Counter Use): 10–20 mg taken 15–60 minutes before consuming food or beverages that cause heartburn.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache;
• Dizziness; or
• Constipation or diarrhea.

Serious Side Effects:

• Confusion, hallucinations, agitation, lack of energy;
• Seizure;
• Fast or pounding heartbeats, sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.