Famotidine
About Famotidine
Famotidine is prescribed as a therapy and treatment of duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, control gastric pH in critically ill patients, symptomatic relief in gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, active benign ulcer, and pathological hypersecretory conditions. This medicine is also used to relive heartburn, acid indigestion and sour stomach.
Famotidine is a prescriptive drug that is used primarily in peptic ulcer diseases and other gastroesophageal reflux diseases. It is histamine h2 blocker that prevents acid production in the stomach. Famotidine is sold under the trade name of Pepcid in the market.
Aside from the ones already mentioned, the benefits of using Famotidine are many; it aides in the treatment of heartburn, acid indigestion, of gastric and duodenal ulcers, and in the treatment of esophagitis. The associated side effects resulting from the taking of Famotidine include dizziness, seizures, depression, sexual problems, headache, and shortness of breath, constipation and in certain cases diarrhea.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have or are:
- Allergic to famotidine, cimetidine, nizatidine, ranitidine, or any other medications .
- Taking any kind of prescriptive or non-prescriptive drugs, any kind of herbal medications or any kind of medications for heartburn.
- History of QT syndrome, asthma or any kind of breathing problems.
- Planning to become pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding a baby.
- Phenylketonuria or any kind of kidney disease.
Famotidine should be taken in the amount as prescribed by your doctor depending on your condition. It is recommended that you measure the liquid with a cup or a syringe. Taking too much or too little may not show the desired results. If a proper diet is followed along with the intake of this medicine then your ulcer has a chance of healing within four weeks. Otherwise it may take up to eight weeks. Should you experience any chest pain then contact your doctor right away. Heartburn is often mistaken with the initial symptoms of a possible heart attack.
In case of a missed dose take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the previous one but do not take more medicine as overdosing may have adverse effects. If you do overdose then it is advised that you seek medical help immediately without delay.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Famotidine
Duodenal Ulcer
Gastric Ulcer
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Hypersecretory Condition
Heartburn
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Famotidine ?
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Famotidine ?
Headache
Acne
Pruritus
Urticaria
Dry Skin
Abdominal Discomfort
Flatulence
Belching
Weakness
Thrombocytopenia
Bronchospasm
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Famotidine
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 10 to 12 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The effect of this medicine can be observed in less than 1 hour after an oral dose and less than 30 minutes after an intravenous dose.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medicine is recommended in pregnant women only if benefits overweigh the risks.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendencies were reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
This medicine is known to excreted through the breastmilk. It is recommended for breastfeeding women.
Is It safe with alcohol?
Avoid alcohol, as this may potentiate the adverse effects like drowsiness of this medicine.
Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?
It is not safe to drive if you are taking this medication. A it may affect your consciousness. and cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Does this affect liver function?
Limited information is available. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Does this affect kidney function?
Modification of dose in patients with renal impairment is needed. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Missed Dose instructions
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose can be skipped.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
Where is the Famotidine approved?
India
United States
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Famotidine
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Famotidine as ingredient
- Pepgard 20 MG Tablet
Shreya Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd
- Famonext 20 MG Tablet
Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Noacid 20 MG Capsule
Morepen Laboratories Limited
- Famtac 40 MG Gelatin Coated Tablet
Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd
- Famolet 40 MG Gelatin Coated Tablet
Universal Medicare Pvt.Ltd
- Famocid 20 MG Injection
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd
- Facid 10 MG Injection
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Famotin 40 MG Soflets
Usv Ltd
- Fm 98.6 MG Suspension
Curatio Health Care Pvt Ltd.
- Fm 50 MG Tablet
Unicure India Pvt Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medicine acts by inhibiting the action of histamine at specific H2 receptors present in the gastric parietal cells. Thus, gastric acid secretion process is inhibited.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Famotidine ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Interaction with Lab Test
Interaction with Medicine
Interaction with Disease
Use of Famotidine is not recommended for use if any symptoms indicating gastrointestinal bleeding exists. Consult your doctor if there is blood in vomit or the stools are bloody or black.Interaction with Food
FAQs about Famotidine
Ques : What is Famotidine?
Ans : Famotidine is a prescriptive drug. It is a histamine h2 blocker that prevents acid production in the stomach.
Ques : What are the uses of Famotidine?
Ans : This drug is primarily used in peptic ulcer diseases and other gastroesophageal reflux diseases.
Ques : What are the side effects of Famotidine?
Ans : Side effects of this medicine include Headache, Diarrhea, Drowsiness and Constipation.
Ques : Can I take Famotidine empty stomach?
Ans : Famotidine may be taken with or without food. It can be taken once daily before bedtime or twice daily in the morning and before bedtime, as recommended.
Ques : How long does it take for Famotidine to start working?
Ans : Famotidine starts working as fast as within 15 minutes from when it is given. Its effect is seen to last all day or all night.
Ques : What is the difference between Famotidine and Omeprazole?
Ans : Famotidine and Omeprazole are two different medicines. Famotidine comes under the class of histamine H2 antagonists drugs whereas Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor.
Ques : Can I take alcohol with Famotidine?
Ans : Alcohol does not interfere with the working of Famotidine. But, you should avoid taking alcohol as it will further damage the stomach, delaying your recovery.
Ques : What are the serious side effects of Famotidine?
Ans : Famotidine can cause side effects like swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. Consult your doctor if these persist for a longer period of time.
Ques : What are the dos and don’ts while taking Famotidine?
Ans : This drug should not be consumed with medicines like aspirin or some other pain killers as they interact negatively. Consult a doctor to know a substitute for such medicines. Intake of tea, coffee, cola or alcohol should be avoided too as they can cause stomach irritation.
Ques : Is Famotidine safe for long-term use?
Ans : Famotidine is a safe drug and can be used for longer, however take consultation from a doctor on a regular basis to ensure long term safety of this drug.
References
Famotidine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 4 June 2022].Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/famotidine
Famotidine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 4 June 2022].Available from:
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00927
Famotidine tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 4 June 2022].Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=Famotidine
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Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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