Generic name: famotidine (fam OH ti deen)
Brand name: Pepcid, Zantac 360
Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.
Famotidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Famotidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
The Zantac 360 brand of this medicine does not contain ranitidine, a medicine that was withdrawn from market in the United States.
Warnings
Before taking famotidine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a history of Long QT syndrome, stomach cancer or other problems, or asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems.
Famotidine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the jaw, arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, anxiety, light-headedness and a general ill feeling.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or similar medicines such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), or nizatidine (Axid).
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- cancer stomach; or
- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).
Ask a doctor before using famotidine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take famotidine?
Use famotidine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Famotidine oral is taken by mouth.
Famotidine injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
You may take famotidine oral with or without food.
Shake the bottle of Pepcid suspension (liquid) vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds prior to each use. Measure the liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Most ulcers heal within 4 weeks of treatment, but it may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. Keep using the medication as directed.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with this medicine does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this medicine.
Famotidine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.
Throw away any unused liquid that is older than 30 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What to avoid
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach.
Avoid taking other stomach acid reducers unless your doctor has told you to. However, you may take an antacid (such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Milk of Magnesia, Rolaids, or Tums) with famotidine.
Famotidine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to famotidine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- confusion, hallucinations, agitation, lack of energy;
- a seizure;
- fast or pounding heartbeats, sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or
- unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Some side effects may be more likely in older adults and in people who have severe kidney disease.
Common famotidine side effects may include:
- headache;
- dizziness; or
- constipation or diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will interact with famotidine?
Famotidine oral can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking:
- cefditoren;
- dasatinib;
- delavirdine;
- fosamprenavir; or
- tizanidine (if you are taking famotidine liquid).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with famotidine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.