Common use

Famotidine is a blocker of H2-histamine receptors. It suppresses basal production of gastric HCl as well as one stimulated by histamine, gastrin and acetylcholine. Simultaneously with decrease of HCl activity of pepsin also diminishes. Famotidine strengthens protective mechanisms of stomach mucous layer due to stimulation of mucous production rich in glycoproteins. Other H2 blockers are cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and nizatidine (Axid). Famotidine is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcer, hyperacidity of gastric juice, heartburn (associated with excessive acidity of gastric juice), symptomatic gastrointestinal ulcers and ones cased by stress, erosive reflux esophagitis, gastropathy caused by treatment with anti-inflammatory non-steroid medications, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.



Dosage and directions

Recommended dose of Famotidine for treatment of duodenal ulcers is 40 mg once daily at bedtime or 20 mg twice daily. Usually it takes about 4 hours to treat ulcers. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your physician. Do not exceed the administered amount of the medication. Chew the tablet of Famotidine before to swallow it. Shake the liquid before to eat your meal after 10-20 seconds and measure it with a special spoon.



Precautions

You should not take Famotidine if you are allergic to it and other H2 blockers. Notify your doctor if you suffer from kidney or liver disease, stomach cancer or other problems, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other breathing problems, pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding. You may need to interrupt of your treatment with Famotidine. Avoid drinking alcohol beverages.



Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, breastfeeding. Cautiousness should be experienced in patients with liver or kidney failure, cirrhosis, infancy.



Possible side effect

Side effects of treatment with Famotidine may include signs of allergy constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Other major types of side effects are: agitation, anemia, confusion, depression, easy bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, hair loss, irregular heartbeat, rash, visual changes, and jaundice.



Drug interaction

Famotidine decreases metabolism of phenazone, aminophenazone, diazepam, hexobarbital, propanolol, lidocaine, phenitoin, amynophillin, theopilin, indirect anticoagulants, tricyclic antidepressants and some other medications in liver. Famotidine increases absorption of amoxicilline and clavulanic acid. Antacids and sucralfat slow its absorption. Famotidine decreases absorption of itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketokonazole (Nizoral).



Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it the soonest. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip it and return to your regular dosage schedule. Never double dose this medication to compensate the missed dose.



Overdose

If overdose of Famotidine was taken the following symptoms occur: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fast heart rate, or fainting. If you suppose that took too much of the drug inform your doctor about it as you may need immediate medical help.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 15 -30 C (59-86 F) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Injection should be stored between 2-8 C (36-46 F).



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.