Famotidine (By mouth)
fam-OH-ti-deen
Treats ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much stomach acid. Also treats heartburn caused by acid indigestion.
Drug classes
Antiulcer, Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitor (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Famotidine is used to treat stomach ulcers (gastric and duodenal), erosive esophagitis (heartburn or acid indigestion), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition where the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus. It is also used to treat certain conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, endocrine tumors).
Famotidine belongs to the group of medicines known as histamine H2-receptor antagonists or H2-blockers. It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
This medicine is available with your doctor’s prescription and also without a prescription. For the prescription form, there is more medicine in each tablet. Your doctor will have special instructions on the proper use and dose for your medical problem.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it.
If you are using the disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. It should melt within 2 minutes. Swallow after the tablet has melted.
Shake the oral liquid medicine for 5 to 10 seconds before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Throw away any unused oral liquid that is more than 1 month old.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to famotidine or to similar medicines such as ranitidine (Zantac®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), or nizatidine (Axid®).
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). If you have this condition, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
Headache or dizziness.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Acid Controller, Acid Reducer, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Acid Reducer, Good Sense Acid Reducer, Heartburn Relief, Leader Acid Reducer, Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Quality Choice Acid Controller, Rite Aid Acid Reducer, Rite Aid Famotidine Acid Reducer, TopCare Acid Reducer
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
