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Famotidine

Information about Famotidine

Famotidine Uses

Famotidine is used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), peptic ulcer disease and heartburn.

How Famotidine works

Famotidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist. It works by reducing the acid produced in the stomach. This helps to relieve acid-related indigestion and heartburn.

Common side effects of Famotidine

Headache, Diarrhea, Drowsiness, Constipation

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Radhika Dua

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MBA, MD Pharmacology

Last updated

29 Oct 2024 | 04:14 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Famotidine

FamocidSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹5 to ₹753 variant(s)

TopcidTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹3 to ₹93 variant(s)

FadineAristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹2 to ₹42 variant(s)

FamoletUniversal Drug House Pvt Ltd

₹291 variant(s)

FacidIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹2 to ₹75 variant(s)

FamonextCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹6 to ₹92 variant(s)

FamocerElder Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹3 to ₹42 variant(s)

AcredinSarabhai Chemicals Ltd

₹51 variant(s)

Expert advice for Famotidine

Famotidine is a well tolerated and safe medicine with a very low incidence of side effects.
Take it with or without food.
If you are also taking other medications to treat acidity (e.g., antacid), take them 2 hours before or after taking Famotidine.
Avoid taking soft drinks, citrus fruits like orange and lemon, which can irritate the stomach and increase acid secretion.
Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after taking Famotidine for 2 weeks as you may be suffering from some other problems.
Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney disease as dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.
Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor.
Famotidine is a well tolerated and safe medicine with a very low incidence of side effects.
Take it with or without food.
Take Famotidine before going to bed if you are taking this medicine once a day. It is very effective in controlling stomach acid that is released when you are asleep.
If you are also taking other medications to treat acidity (e.g., antacid), take them 2 hours before or after taking Famotidine.
Avoid taking soft drinks, citrus fruits like orange and lemon, which can irritate the stomach and increase acid secretion.
Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after taking Famotidine for 2 weeks as you may be suffering from some other problems.
Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney disease as dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.
Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions for Famotidine

Famotidine

Q. Can I take Famotidine empty stomach?

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.

Q. How long does it take for Famotidine to start working?

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.

Q. What is the difference between Famotidine and Omeprazole?

Famotidine and Omeprazole belong to different groups of medicines. While Famotidine belongs to histamine H2 antagonists group, Omeprazole belongs to proton pump inhibitors group. Both these medicines work by reducing the amount of acid made by the stomach, to relieve the symptoms and allow healing.

Q. What are the serious side effects of Famotidine?

Famotidine may have some serious side effects, but these are rare. These side effects may include hives, skin rash, itching, hoarseness and difficulty in breathing or swallowing. Another serious symptom may be swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. Inform your doctor in case you notice any of the mentioned symptoms.

Q. What are the dos and don’ts while taking Famotidine?

Avoid taking aspirin and other painkillers used to treat arthritis, period pain or headache. These medicines may irritate the stomach and make your condition worse. Contact your doctor who may suggest other medicines. Avoid coffee, tea, cocoa and cola drinks because these contain ingredients that may irritate your stomach. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Eat slowly and chew your food carefully. Try not to rush at meal times. You should stop or cut down on smoking.

Q. Is Famotidine safe for long-term use?

There is limited data available on whether Famotidine can be used for a long term or not, but it is a relatively safe medicine. You should take it for the duration advised by your doctor. Do not take over-the-counter Famotidine for longer than 2 weeks unless advised by your doctor.