famotidine – injection, Pepcid

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: Famotidine treats ulcers of the stomach or intestines. It may prevent intestinal ulcers from returning. This medication also treats stomach and throat problems caused by excess acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or stomach acid flowing into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD).This form of famotidine is given by vein and treats these conditions for a short time when you cannot take the medication by mouth. Your doctor should switch you to taking this medication by mouth when possible.Famotidine is an H2 histamine blocker. It reduces stomach acid, healing and preventing ulcers, and improving symptoms like heartburn and stomach pain. HOW TO USE: This medication is injected into a vein as directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment depend on your medical condition and response. In children, dosage may be based on body weight.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, and pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects such as easy bruising/bleeding, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), mental/mood changes (e.g., restlessness, confusion, depression), and hallucinations. Seek immediate medical help if you have a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using famotidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other acid reducers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine), or if you have any allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), or other stomach problems (e.g., tumors). Some symptoms may be signs of a more serious condition. Get medical help right away if you have heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating), or unexplained weight loss. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion.Famotidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.Since famotidine reduces stomach acid, it may change the absorption of certain medications and affect how they work. Some affected drugs include atazanavir, dasatinib, delavirdine, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), among others. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of the medications you take are affected by famotidine and how to manage this interaction.Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) that can cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Low-dose aspirin should be continued as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Consult your doctor for more details.This medication and other H2 blockers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine) are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Do not take them at the same time. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

QUESTION

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (e.g., avoiding caffeine, certain spices) may increase the effectiveness of this medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., endoscopy, kidney function tests) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. MISSED DOSE: For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.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. Information last revised February 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.