Famotidine

What is famotidine

Famotidine is in a class of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists. Famotidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Famotidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Famotidine is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid and conditions in which acid comes up into the esophagus and causes heartburn, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Famotidine may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about famotidine

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.

Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking famotidine. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of famotidine.

What you should find out before taking famotidine

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease; or
- liver disease.

You may not be able to take famotidine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

The Pepcid RPD orally disintegrating tablets contain 1.05 mg phenylalanine per 20 mg tablet and 2.10 mg phenylalanine per 40 mg oral tablet. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.

Famotidine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take famotidine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Famotidine passes into breast milk. It is not known whether famotidine will harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should take famotidine

Take famotidine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.

Administration with liquid is not necessary for the Pepcid RPD orally disintegrating tablets. Just prior to taking a dose, peel open the blister pack with dry hands and place the tablet on the tongue,

Where it will dissolve and be swallowed with the saliva.

Shake the Pepcid suspension vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, use a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular table spoon to measure a dose of the suspension. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Over-the-counter famotidine is usually taken 15 minutes before consuming heartburn-inducing foods or beverages.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.

Store famotidine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a famotidine overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased saliva production, difficulty breathing, and a fast heartbeat.

Avoid while taking famotidine

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking famotidine unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Possible side effects of famotidine

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking famotidine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment.
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- easy or unusual bruising or bleeding;
- bleeding gums;
- irregular heartbeat;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes; or
- a rash.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take famotidine and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness;
- headache; or
- diarrhea, nausea, or constipation.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect famotidine