Treatment FAQ

famotidine treatment for what

by Rogers Kassulke Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Famotidine is used to treat stomach ulcers (gastric and duodenal), erosive esophagitis (heartburn or acid indigestion), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time.
https://www.mayoclinic.org › symptoms-causes › syc-20361940
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. GERD is a condition where the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus.
Jun 1, 2022

Precautions

In addition to meals, people taking famotidine should consume them without. If you plan on having heartburn or acid indigestion due to food or drinking beverages, schedule a prescription for famotidine 15-60 minutes prior to your diet and/or activity.

How long after eating should I wait to take famotidine?

  • stomach cancer.
  • chronic kidney disease stage 3A (moderate)
  • chronic kidney disease stage 3B (moderate)
  • chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe)
  • chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure)
  • kidney disease with likely reduction in kidney function.

When should I take famotidine, day or night?

Famotidine is not known to have any significant drug interactions. However, you should not take famotidine within two hours of taking cephalosporins, itraconazole or ketoconazole. It may also affect some medications which require acid to be in the stomach in order to be absorbed properly.

Does famotidine interact with other medications?

  • Take famotidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose (do not double your regular dose).
  • If taking a chewable tablet, chew it thoroughly before swallowing.

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What is famotidine used for treating?

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When should I take famotidine?

If you are using nonprescription famotidine for self-treatment of acid indigestion or heartburn, take 1 tablet by mouth with a glass of water as needed. To prevent heartburn, take 1 tablet by mouth with a glass of water 15-60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause heartburn.

Which condition can be treated with famotidine Pepcid?

Famotidine (Pepcid AC) is used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers. It can also be used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, and other conditions that cause excessive stomach acid secretion, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Does famotidine heal your stomach?

The findings show that the new H2-receptor antagonist famotidine, administered as a single evening dose, significantly speeds the healing of benign gastric ulcers and that it is a safe and highly effective treatment of gastric ulceration.

Does famotidine cure acid reflux?

Famotidine is known as an H2 blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. It is used to prevent and treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach (acid indigestion).

What's the difference between famotidine and omeprazole?

Both famotidine and omeprazole can be effective drugs for treating GERD and other digestive conditions. However, the general consensus is that omeprazole is a more potent drug than famotidine. Randomized, clinical trials have shown that PPIs are more effective in treating duodenal ulcers than H2 blockers.

Is famotidine an antibiotic?

Famotidine belongs to a class of drugs known as H2 blockers. This medication is also available without a prescription. It is used to prevent and treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach (acid indigestion).

Can famotidine cause bloating and gas?

Uncommon (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people) Nausea and vomiting. Abdominal discomfort or bloating. Wind (flatulence). Dry mouth.

Does famotidine raise blood pressure?

Blood Pressure Medication , Cause Secondary Hypertension.

How long does it take for famotidine to heal an ulcer?

Acute Therapy: The recommended adult oral dosage for active duodenal ulcer is 40 mg once a day at bedtime. Most patients heal within 4 weeks; there is rarely reason to use PEPCID at full dosage for longer than 6 to 8 weeks. A regimen of 20 mg b.i.d. is also effective.

What causes acid reflux?

The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.

Can famotidine cause chest pain?

This may cause a burning feeling in your chest or throat, a sour taste in your mouth, or burping. Acid-related damage to the lining of your esophagus. When stomach acid splashes up and into the lower portion of your esophagus, it can cause damage to the tissue cells in your esophagus.

Before Taking This Medicine

Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or pressure, pain sp...

How Should I Take Famotidine?

Use famotidine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recomm...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...

What Should I Avoid While Taking Famotidine?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach.Avoid taking cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), or nizatidine (A...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Famotidine?

Other drugs may interact with famotidine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your h...

What is famotidine used for?

Famotidine oral tablet is used for long-term treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and maintaining healing of ulcers. Famotidine oral tablet is used for short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and duodenal and gastric ulcers. Famotidine comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

How does famotidine work?

Famotidine works by blocking the histamine 2 (H2) receptor in your stomach. This receptor helps release acid in your stomach. By blocking this receptor, this drug lowers the amount of acid released in your stomach.

What to do if you have serious side effects?

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

Is famotidine an over the counter drug?

Prescription famotidine is also available as an oral suspension and an injectable form, which is only given by a healthcare provider. Famotidine is also available as an over-the-counter drug.

Is famotidine a generic drug?

Prescription famotidine oral tablet is available as a generic drug and as a brand- name drug. The brand name is Pepcid. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. Prescription famotidine is also available as an oral suspension and an injectable form, ...

Can famotidine be used in pregnancy?

Therefore, this drug should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. For women who are breastfeeding: Famotidine may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child.

Can famotidine cause allergies?

Famotidine can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

What is famotidine used for?

Famotidine is an acid-suppressing agent that may be used to treat a wide range of gastric-acid related disorders including gastric ulcers , heartburn, and GERD. A headache is the most common side effect. Drug interactions with famotidine are uncommon.

How does famotidine work?

Bottom Line. Tips. Response/effectiveness. Interactions. 1. How it works. Famotidine decreases the amount of acid the stomach produces and is used to treat certain gastrointestinal conditions characterized by high acid production. Famotidine reduces the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach by blocking the effect of histamine on histamine ...

How long does famotidine inhibit gastric acid?

One dose of famotidine substantially inhibits the secretion of gastric acid for 10 to 12 hours.

How long does famotidine last?

The maximum effect depends on the dose and occurs within one to three hours. The effect of famotidine lasts for 10 to 12 hours after a single dose.

What medications interact with famotidine?

Common medications that may interact with famotidine include: anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as warfarin, or other drugs that have blood-thinning effects such as aspirin or NSAIDs. antifungals, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole.

What are the side effects of taking a med?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache and gastrointestinal side effects (such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain) are the most common side effects.

How to take famotidine?

Take with a glass of water and take the exact dosage as directed on the packet (self-medicating) or by your doctor (pre scribed). Should only be taken for short periods of time. If you feel you need to keep taking famotidine, talk with your doctor.

Can you flush expired medication down the toilet?

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Can famotidine cause allergies?

Precautions. Before taking famotidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 blockers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine ); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Does famotidine affect stomach acid?

Famotidine decreases stomach acid, so it may change how well these products work. Some affected products include atazanavir, dasatinib, delavirdine, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole ), pazopanib, among others. Do not take this medication with other products that contain famotidine or other H2 blockers ( cimetidine, ...

Can you take famotidine with other medications?

Do not take this medication with other products that contain famotidine or other H2 blockers ( cimetidine, nizatidine, ranitidine ).

What is the treatment for acute urticaria?

Famotidine in the treatment of acute urticaria

Does famotidine help with urticaria?

Famotidine was found to reduce pruritus associated with acute urticaria, intensity of urticaria, and body surface area affected by urticaria without causing sedation. Famotidine was comparable to diphenhydramine in efficacy; however, there was a (nonsignificant) trend for diphenhydramine to be more effective than famotidine in the treatment ...

What is famotidine used for?

Famotidine oral tablet is used for long-term treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and maintaining healing of ulcers. Famotidine oral tablet is used for short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and duodenal and gastric ulcers. Famotidine comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

How does famotidine work?

Famotidine works by blocking the histamine 2 (H2) receptor in your stomach. This receptor helps release acid in your stomach. By blocking this receptor, this drug lowers the amount of acid released in your stomach.

Is famotidine a brand name?

Prescription famotidine oral tablet is available as a generic drug and as a brand-name drug. The brand name is Pepcid. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug. Prescription famotidine is also available as an oral suspension ...

Is famotidine a generic drug?

Prescription famotidine oral tablet is available as a generic drug and as a brand-name drug. Brand name: Pepcid. Prescription famotidine also comes as a liquid suspension you take by mouth, and in an injectable form that’s only given by a healthcare provider. Famotidine also comes in over-the-counter forms.

What to tell your doctor before taking famotidine?

Before taking famotidine, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Is famotidine an injectable?

Prescription famotidine is also available as an oral suspension and an injectable form, which is only given by a healthcare provider. Famotidine also comes as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. It comes as an OTC oral tablet and an OTC chewable oral tablet. This article focuses on the prescription oral tablet.

Can you take famotidine with food?

You can take famotidine with or without food .

What Is Famotidine and How Does It Work?

Famotidine is a prescription and over the counter drug used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and to prevent intestinal ulcers from coming back after they have healed. Famotidine is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems such as erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as cough that doesn’t go away, stomach pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Famotidine belongs to a class of drugs known as H2 blockers.

Does famotidine help with cough?

It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as cough that doesn’t go away, stomach pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Famotidine belongs to a class of drugs known as H2 blockers. Famotidine is available under the following different brand names: Pepcid, Zantac 360, Act, Dyspep HB, Fluxid, ...

Can you use famotidine while pregnant?

Famotidine use in pregnancy may be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies are not available, or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies were done and showed no risk. Famotidine enters breast milk; use is not recommended when lactating.

Does famotidine interact with other drugs?

Famotidine has no known severe interactions with any drugs. This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the medications you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

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How It Works

Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and to prevent intestinal ulcers from coming back after they have healed. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems (such as erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).

May Treat: Gastroesophageal reflux disease · Gastric ulcer · Dyspepsia · Erosive esophagitis · Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and more

Brand Names: Pepcid · Pepcid AC · Heartburn Relief (famotidine) · Acid Controller · Heartburn and more

Drug Class: Gastric Acid Secretion Reducer - Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists

Availability: Prescription sometimes needed

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

May Treat: Gastroesophageal reflux disease · Gastric ulcer · Dyspepsia · Erosive esophagitis · Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and more

Brand Names: Pepcid · Pepcid AC · Heartburn Relief (famotidine) · Acid Controller · Heartburn and more

Drug Class: Gastric Acid Secretion Reducer - Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists

Availability: Prescription sometimes needed

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

Precautions

  • Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor
  • Limit alcohol consumption and stop using tobacco.
  • Avoid caffeine which is in coffee, tea & colas

  • Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor
  • Limit alcohol consumption and stop using tobacco.
  • Avoid caffeine which is in coffee, tea & colas
  • Call doctor if you are not getting better
  • For suspension, reconstituted, oral products : Shake well & measure with dosing spoon/cup/syringe. Call MD now for heartburn with sweating & dizziness. Important to try not to skip doses. Tell doctor if you have kidney problems.
  • For tablet products : Do not use in kids less than 12 years.
  • For vial products : Drug is given by a nurse or a doctor. Don't use if solution has particles or color change. Tell doctor your complete medical history. Refrigerate. If drug gets frozen, thaw before use.

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

Tips

  1. Famotidine decreases the amount of acid the stomach produces and is used to treat certain gastrointestinal conditions characterized by high acid production.
  2. Famotidine reduces the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach by blocking the effect of histamine on histamine H2-receptors located on the parietal cells lining the stomach wall. Histamine is the...
  1. Famotidine decreases the amount of acid the stomach produces and is used to treat certain gastrointestinal conditions characterized by high acid production.
  2. Famotidine reduces the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach by blocking the effect of histamine on histamine H2-receptors located on the parietal cells lining the stomach wall. Histamine is the...
  3. Famotidine is specific for H2 receptors (other drugs, called antihistamines, block H1 receptors that are primarily involved with allergic-type reactions).
  4. Famotidine belongs to a group of drugs known as H2 receptor antagonists (also called H2 blockers).

Response and Effectiveness

  1. Used for the short-term treatment of active duodenal or gastric ulcers.
  2. May be used for up to 1 year for the maintenance treatment of healed duodenal or gastric ulcers.
  3. Reduces stomach acid secretion so may be used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or systemic …
  1. Used for the short-term treatment of active duodenal or gastric ulcers.
  2. May be used for up to 1 year for the maintenance treatment of healed duodenal or gastric ulcers.
  3. Reduces stomach acid secretion so may be used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or systemic mastocytosis.
  4. May also be used in the treatment and maintenance of endoscopically diagnosed erosive esophagitis.

Interactions

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. A headache and gastrointestinal side effects (such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain) are the most common side effects. Other side effects are uncommon in adults. 2. People with moderat…
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References

  • Famotidine is an acid-suppressing agent that may be used to treat a wide range of gastric-acid-related disorders including gastric ulcers, heartburn, and GERD. A headache is the most common side effect. Drug interactions with famotidine are uncommon.
See more on drugs.com

Further Information

  1. May be taken with or without food. Take with a glass of water and take the exact dosage as directed on the packet (self-medicating) or by your doctor (prescribed).
  2. Should only be taken for short periods of time. If you feel you need to keep taking famotidine, talk with your doctor.
  3. Antacids may be taken alongside famotidine if needed for gastric-acid associated pain.
  1. May be taken with or without food. Take with a glass of water and take the exact dosage as directed on the packet (self-medicating) or by your doctor (prescribed).
  2. Should only be taken for short periods of time. If you feel you need to keep taking famotidine, talk with your doctor.
  3. Antacids may be taken alongside famotidine if needed for gastric-acid associated pain.
  4. Do not self-medicate with famotidine if you are over the age of 40 and this is the first time you have had heartburn or indigestion; have a family history of gastric cancer; have coughing spells; u...

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