Famotidine

Generic Name: famotidine

Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Famotidine

Famotidine is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist available as film-coated tablets for oral administration.

Overview

Famotidine is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist available as film-coated tablets for oral administration.

Uses

Treatment of active duodenal ulcer, active gastric ulcer, symptomatic nonerosive GERD, and erosive esophagitis due to GERD in adult and pediatric patients 40 kg and greater. Also for pathological hypersecretory conditions and duodenal ulcer recurrence reduction in adults.

Dosage

Active duodenal ulcer: 40 mg once daily or 20 mg twice daily (up to 8 weeks). Active gastric ulcer: 40 mg once daily (up to 8 weeks). GERD: 20 mg twice daily (up to 6 weeks). Erosive esophagitis: 20-40 mg twice daily (up to 12 weeks). Take once daily before bedtime or twice daily in morning and before bedtime.

Side Effects

Most common: headache, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea. Less common: CNS effects, cardiovascular, GI, hematologic, and hypersensitivity reactions. Postmarketing: arrhythmia, jaundice, agranulocytosis, anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Interactions

Reduces absorption of drugs dependent on gastric pH (dasatinib, delavirdine, cefditoren, fosamprenavir). May increase tizanidine concentrations; avoid concomitant use if possible.

Warnings

CNS adverse reactions in elderly and renally impaired patients; reduce dosage accordingly. Absence of GI symptoms does not exclude gastric malignancy; evaluate prior to initiating therapy. Contraindicated with history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to famotidine or other H2 receptor antagonists.

Pregnancy

Limited human data; animal studies showed no adverse development effects at doses up to 243 times the recommended human dose. Use only if clearly needed. Limited breast milk data.

Storage

Store at 25C (77F); excursions permitted 15-30C (59-86F). Dispense in tight, light-resistant container.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Famotidine used for?

Treatment of active duodenal ulcer, active gastric ulcer, symptomatic nonerosive GERD, and erosive esophagitis due to GERD in adult and pediatric patients 40 kg and greater. Also for pathological hypersecretory conditions and duodenal ulcer recurrence reduction in adults.

What are the side effects of Famotidine?

Most common: headache, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea. Less common: CNS effects, cardiovascular, GI, hematologic, and hypersensitivity reactions. Postmarketing: arrhythmia, jaundice, agranulocytosis, anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Can I take Famotidine during pregnancy?

Limited human data; animal studies showed no adverse development effects at doses up to 243 times the recommended human dose. Use only if clearly needed. Limited breast milk data.

What are the important warnings for Famotidine?

CNS adverse reactions in elderly and renally impaired patients; reduce dosage accordingly. Absence of GI symptoms does not exclude gastric malignancy; evaluate prior to initiating therapy. Contraindicated with history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to famotidine or other H2 receptor antagonists.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.