Famotidine is used to treat conditions caused by excessive acidity in your stomach such as ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine), reflux disease (also known as "heartburn", a burning pain in your chest that is caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth), and hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (tumour growth in the pancreas or the upper part of the small intestine which causes the secretion of too much stomach acid).
This medicine treats these conditions by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes.
Famotidine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Famotidine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Famotidine is available as a tablet or oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it with some water.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Famotidine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Famotidine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as cimetidine or ranitidine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- lung disease
- diabetes
- weak immune system due to a disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Famotidine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have blood tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Famotidine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, feeling bloated, dry mouth, changes in taste, loss of appetite, tiredness, fever, muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, dry skin, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, or throat
- fits or seizures, unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too agitated, confused, delirious, disoriented, or seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are non-existent)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. delavirdine, atazanavir, fosamprenavir
- probenecid (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)
- medicines for cancer e.g. dasatinib, nilotinib
- cefditoren (antibiotic)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Famotidine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Eat small but frequent meals as large single meals may increase the pressure in your stomach leading to reflux. Try to eat slowly and chew your food carefully.
Avoid foods that cause you pain or discomfort.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet with your doctor or dietitian as a change in diet may help improve your symptoms.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect the tablets from light.
The oral suspension should be used within 30 days after opening. Do not freeze.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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