Famotidine is an H2 receptor blocker that works by blocking certain histamine receptors in the stomach. It is a safe and effective medicine to decrease the production of acid in the stomach. It is available over the counter in 10 mg and 20 mg dosages. Most people use Famotidine to treat heartburn or acid reflux associated with spicy foods and carbonated beverages.
The uses, dosage, contraindications, Indications During Pregnancy and lactation, and alternatives are further discussed in the respective sections of the write-up.
What Is Famotidine?
Famotidine is an H2 receptor blocker that is used to treat heartburn, peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is sold under the brand names Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Famot, Acicon and Famtac.
Famotidine Mechanism Of Action
Famotidine inhibits histamine action by binding to an H2 receptor on the basolateral surface of the gastric parietal cells. As a result, the production of stomach acid is reduced.
Famotidine Available Strengths
Famotidine is available in 3 strengths
Famotidine......... 10mg
Famotidine................ 20mg
Famotidine....................40mg
In Tablet, suspension, and injectable forms
Indications & Uses Of Famotidine?
Famotidine is used to treat the following conditions:
- Heartburn, indigestion, and dyspepsia are caused by an excess of gastric acid production.
- Treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
- Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Treatment of Pathological hypersecretion of gastric acid associated with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
- Treatment of Esophagitis.
- Prevention of Nsaid Indced ulcers
- As a part of the multidrug treatment regimen for H.Pylori treatment.
- Preoperatively in surgical patients to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Famotidine Contraindications.
Famotidine is not recommended for patients who are known to be allergic to H2 receptor blockers.
Patients with Kidney disease.
Patients with Chronic Liver Disease.
Famotidine Dosage and Administration
Administration
Once or twice daily according to your Physician’s instructions 15-30 minutes before meals or at bedtime.
Dosage For Adults
| Condition | Dose | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Heartburn | 10 to 20 mg orally once a day before meals | Up to 14 days |
| GERD | 20 mg orally twice a day before meals | Up to 6 weeks |
| Duodenal Ulcers | 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals | Up to 4 weeks |
| Gastric Ulcers | 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals | Up to 8 weeks |
| NSAID-associated Gastric Ulcers | 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals | Up to 4-8 weeks |
| Erosive Esophagitis | 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals | Up to 12 weeks |
| Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome | 20 mg orally every 6 hours | decided by your Physician |
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose of this medication as soon as you remember. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed one and resume your regular dosing regimen. Avoid doubling the doses.
Famotidine Indications During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
The available research does not suggest that the use of famotidine during pregnancy increases the likelihood of birth abnormalities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given Famotidine a B-category rating. It is advised that pregnant women consult their gynecologist before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Lactation
The use of famotidine while breastfeeding poses no risk to the baby's health.
Famotidine Side Effects
The most common side effects of famotidine are
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Loss of Appetite
Other serious side effects of famotidine that require emergency medical attention include:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat
- Confusion or anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Fast heartbeats
Famotidine Potential Interactions
- atazanavir
- bosutinib
- dapsone
- dasatinib
- delavirdine
- digoxin
- indinavir
- itraconazole
- ketoconazole
- mefloquine
Pro Advice 💡
- Always take the medication before your meals or at bedtime for the best results.
- Do not swallow the tablet. Instead, take it with a glass of water.
- If you experience itching, rashes, hives, swallowing of the face, or hallucinations, stop taking the medication immediately and speak to your Physician.
- In case of heartburn, indigestion, and reflux try healthy natural alternatives such as:
- Avoid eating close to bedtime
- Elevate your head while sleeping with a pillow
- Sleep on your left side
- Eat small meals regularly
- Avoid caffeine, carbonated drinks, smoking and alcohol
- Eat a low-spice diet
- Avoid junk food like fast food
- Drink skimmed milk.
Famotidine Brand Names
FAQs
Q1. What is a famotidine used for?
Ans. Famotidine is used to treat heartburn, indigestion, and Dyspepsia caused by overproduction of gastric acid and the following conditions
- Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
- Duodenal ulcers
- NSAIDs induced Ulcers
- Erosive Esophagitis
- Zollinger Ellison Syndrome
- Part of the Multidrug treatment regimen in H.Pylori treatment
- For Prophylaxis of gastric and duodenal ulcers
- Gastric Ulcers occur in Crohn's Disease.
Q2. Is famotidine the same as omeprazole?
Ans. Famotidine is an H2 receptor blocker, whereas Omeprazole is a Proton Pump Inhibitor, although both can be used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, and stomach ulcers.
Q3. What are some serious side effects of famotidine?
Ans. Famotidine doesn't cause serious side effects routinely unless you are allergic to it. The serious side effects of famotidine use include
- Hives/Rash
- Difficult of breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, and tongue throat.
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Fast heartbeats
Q4. Which is safer omeprazole or famotidine?
Ans. Both famotidine and omeprazole are safe medications if you are taking them for a short period.
Q5. Is famotidine better than Nexium?
Ans. A study published in the Journal of the National Library of Medicine found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexium and Prilosec were more effective at treating GERD compared to H2-blocking agents such as famotidine.
Q6. What is the safest GERD medication?
Ans. Antacids are the safest medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease with fewer side effects.
Q7. Does milk help heartburn?
Ans. Non-skimmed milk is the best natural antacid available because it acts as a buffer between the stomach layer and the acidic content.
Q8. Is it OK to take famotidine every day?
Ans. Over-the-counter famotidine should not be taken for longer than two weeks without a doctor's prescription.
Q9. Is famotidine safe or heart?
Ans. Studies show that famotidine is not associated with increased cardiovascular risks.
Q10. Is famotidine safe for GERD?
Ans. Yes, Gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the indications of famotidine use.
Q11. When is the best time to take famotidine for GERD?
Ans. Famotidine should be taken once or twice daily as advised by your Physician 15 to 30 minutes before eating or before going to bed.
Q12. Does Famotidine stop allergic reactions?
Ans. In some cases, Famotidine is also used to treat hives in people who do not respond well to H1 antagonists. Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that stops histamine from attaching to the receptor, thus preventing allergic reactions.
Q13. Why take famotidine at night?
Ans. The onset of gastrointestinal reflux is typically at its peak during the evening or nighttime hours therefore it is advised to take famotidine before evening meal or before going to bed.
References
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States [Internet]. Maryland, USA; User information booklet; Famotidine (Pepcid).
Zantac 360° film coated Famotidine tablets Drug Label Information [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov [Last accessed 15 September 2023].
Famotidine: Indication, Dosage, Side Effect and Precaution | WebMD [Internet]. webmd.com [Last accessed 15 September 2023].
Common Side Effects of Pepcid (Famotidine). RxList [Last accessed 15 September 2023].
Disclaimer
All information on the product's uses, dosage, side effects, formula, ingredients, indications, contraindications, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and whether it is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is based solely on material found on the internet. It is only provided here for general education and information purposes.
We can not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information we publish on this website. All of the information material we published is based only on FDA-approved literature and is not intended to replace expert medical advice. Always seek expert medical advice from a healthcare provider before starting to use this medicine.
Dr. Mohd Kamran Karim
I am a professional doctor and an enthusiastic blogger who completed his graduation in 2013 (MBBS) and currently working as a post graduate clinical fellow. I am a medical professional with desired clinical expertise, and I want to utilize my knowledge & writing to advise my readers on how to use prescription and over-the-counter medications to minimize any adverse effects.