famotidine – oral, Pepcid

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach or intestines. It may also be used to prevent the recurrence of intestinal ulcers after treatment. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems caused by excessive acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD). Famotidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It reduces the stomach acid to heal and prevent ulcers and improve symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain. It is available without a prescription and is used to prevent and treat acid indigestion. If you are using this medication for self-treatment, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist. HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this medication once daily, take it at bedtime. The dosage and length of treatment depend on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, the dosage may be based on body weight. You may take other medications (e.g., antacids) as recommended by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Take this medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to get the most benefit. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor’s approval because it may delay ulcer healing. 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 consuming food or beverages that cause heartburn. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor. Do not take for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, constipation, diarrhea, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: 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, hallucinations), seizure. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, 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 taking famotidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to other H2 blockers such as cimetidine, ranitidine, or if you have any other 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 of: immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors). Some symptoms may actually 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), unexplained weight loss. Before self-treating with this medication, get medical help right away if you have any of these signs of a serious condition: trouble/pain swallowing food, bloody vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody/black stools, heartburn for over 3 months, frequent chest pain, frequent wheezing (especially with heartburn), nausea/vomiting, stomach pain. 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 such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Do not use to treat children younger than 12 unless directed by the doctor. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion. Famotidine should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. 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 affect the absorption of certain medications and how they work. Some affected drugs include atazanavir, dasatinib, delavirdine, certain azole antifungals (e.g., 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, prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention, should be continued. 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.

QUESTION

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. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, smoking cessation, alcohol limitation, and dietary adjustments (e.g., avoiding caffeine, certain spices) may enhance the effectiveness of this medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle modifications 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: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Store the nonprescription medication at room temperature between 68-86 degrees F (20-30 degrees C). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product. 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, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information 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. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.