Famotidine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Famotidine?

What is famotidine used for?

Famotidine is a type of drug that is available in tablet form and injection liquid medicine. This drug belongs to the class of histamine H2 blocker drugs. This medication works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach.

This medicine is used to treat ulcers in the stomach or intestines. This medication can also be used to prevent intestinal ulcers from coming back after treatment. It is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems caused by too much acid (for example, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or stomach acid rising into the esophagus (GERD disease).

This medicine can also be used to prevent and treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach (acid indigestion). If you are taking this medication for self-medication it is important to read the instructions on the product package carefully so you know when to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

This drug is included in prescription drugs, so you must use a doctor's prescription if you want to buy it at a pharmacy.

How is famotidine used?

Here are some things you should pay attention to when using this drug:

• Take this medication with or without food, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this medicine once a day, it is usually taken at bedtime.
• The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on body weight.
• You can take other medicines (eg antacids) for your condition as a recommendation from your doctor.
• Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Take this medicine regularly for the best benefits.
• To help you remember, drink it at the same time every day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.
• Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval as it may delay wound healing.
• If you are taking nonprescription Famotidine for the treatment of acid indigestion or heartburn, take 1 tablet with a glass of water as needed.
• To prevent ulcer pain, take 1 tablet with a glass of water 15-60 minutes before eating food or drinking drinks that cause heartburn.
• Do not use more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor.
• Do not use this medication for more than 14 days in a row without talking to your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
• Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is famotidine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't store it in the bathroom and don't freeze it either. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Famotidine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for famotidine for adults?

Adult dosage for intestinal ulcers

• Initial dose: Parenteral: 20 mg IV every 12 hours. Alternatively, some doctors recommend a continuous IV infusion of 3.2 mg / hour for up to 72 hours after a 10 mg IV bolus dose.
• Oral: 40 mg orally once a day at bedtime or 20 mg orally twice a day.
• Maintenance dose: 20 mg orally or IV once a day at bedtime.

Adult dosage for peptic ulcers

• Initial dose: Parenteral: 20 mg IV every 12 hours. Alternatively, some doctors recommend a continuous IV infusion of 3.2 mg / hour for up to 72 hours after a 10 mg IV bolus dose.
• Oral: 40 mg orally once a day at bedtime or 20 mg orally twice a day.
• Maintenance dose: 20 mg orally or IV once a day at bedtime for 4 weeks.

Adult dosage for prevention of ulcers

• 20 mg orally or IV, once a day.

Adult dosage for gastric ulcers

• Parenteral: 20 mg IV every 12 hours. Alternatively, some doctors recommend a continuous IV infusion of 3.2 mg / hour for up to 72 hours after a 10 mg IV bolus dose.
• Oral: 40 mg orally once a day at bedtime or 20 mg orally twice a day.

Adult dosage for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Parenteral: 20 mg IV every 12 hours. Alternatively, some doctors recommend a continuous IV infusion of 3.2 mg / hour for up to 72 hours after a 10 mg IV bolus dose.
• Oral: 20 mg orally twice a day for 6 weeks.

Adult dosage for erosive esophagitis

• Parenteral: 20 mg IV every 12 hours. Alternatively, some doctors recommend a continuous IV infusion of 3.2 mg / hour for up to 72 hours after a 10 mg IV bolus dose.
• Oral: 20 to 40 mg orally twice a day for up to 12 weeks.

Adult dosage for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

• Parenteral: 20 mg IV every 6 hours. Alternatively, some doctors recommend a continuous IV infusion of 3.2 mg / hour for up to 72 hours after a 10 mg IV bolus dose.
• Oral: Initial dose: 20 mg orally every 6 hours.
• Maintenance dose: dose adjustments made to control gastric acid secretion. Doses of up to 160 mg every 6 hours have been used.

Adult dosage for hypersecretory disease conditions

• Parenteral: 20 mg IV every 6 hours. Alternatively, some doctors recommend a continuous IV infusion of 3.2 mg / hour for up to 72 hours after a 10 mg IV bolus dose.
• Oral: initial dose: 20 mg orally every 6 hours.
• Maintenance dose: Dose adjustments made to control gastric acid secretion. Doses of up to 160 mg every 6 hours have been used.

Adult dosage for dyspepsia

• 10 mg orally once or twice a day.

Upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding adult dose

• 20 mg IV every 12 hours. Alternatively, some doctors recommend a continuous IV infusion of 3.2 mg / hour for up to 72 hours after a 10 mg IV bolus dose.

What is the dose of famotidine for children?

Children's dosage for peptic ulcers

• Oral: Children and Adolescents 1-16 years: 0.5 mg / kg / day once a day at bedtime or divided twice daily (maximum daily dose: 40 mg / day)
• Doses up to 1 mg / kg / day have been used
• Stress ulcer prophylaxis, gastric acid suppression: IV: 0.5-1 mg / kg / dose every 12 hours (maximum dose: 20 mg / dose)
• Hypersecretory conditions: Oral, Adolescent, Initial: 20 mg every 6 hours. Can increase up to 160 mg every 6 hours.

Children's Dose for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Infants 1-3 months, Oral, GERD: 0.5 mg / kg / dose once daily for up to 8 weeks
• Infants 3 months to 1 year, Oral, GERD: 0.5 mg / kg / dose twice daily for up to 8 weeks
• Children 1-16 years, Oral, GERD: 0.5 mg / kg / dose 2 times a day (up to 1 mg / kg / dose 2 times daily has been reported).
• Maximum dose: 40 mg / dose
• Patients unable to use oral, IV drugs, Infants: 0.25-0.5 mg / kg / dose once daily
• Children and adolescents 1-16 years, initial dose: 0.25 mg / kg / dose every 12 hours (maximum dose: 20 mg / dose). Doses of up to 0.5 mg / kg / dose every 12 hours have been reported.

Children's dosage for dyspepsia

• Greater than 12 years of age, acid indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux (using OTC): 10 to 20 mg 15 to 60 minutes before meals; no more than 2 tablets per day.

In what dosage is famotidine available?

Solution, intravenous: 10 mg / mL (2 mL)

Suspension dissolved, Oral: 40 mg / 5 mL (50 mL)

Tablet, Oral: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg

Famotidine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to famotidine?

Side effects are not common, but some may include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using famotidine and call your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Confusion, hallucinations, seizures
• Numbness, or tingling feeling
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness, weakness, mood swings
• Headache
• Muscle cramps, joint pain

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Famotidine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using famotidine?

Before using Famotidine, there are several things you should do, including:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to famotidine, cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidin (Axid), ranitidine (Zantac), or any other medication.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about the prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are using. Be sure to mention what other ulcer medications you are taking. Do not use Famotidine on the market with prescription drugs or other non-prescription drugs for ulcer pain unless your doctor tells you to.
• Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited disease in which mental retardation develops if a certain diet is not followed), and if you have or have ever had difficulty swallowing or kidney disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Famotidine, call your doctor.

Is famotidine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

These drugs are included in pregnancy risk category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There are not adequate studies in women to determine the risks to babies when using this medicine during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.

Famotidine Drug Interactions

What other medicines may interact with famotidine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

When you are using this medicine it is important that your doctor knows that you are taking any of the medicines that are listed below. The following interactions were chosen because they are based on their potential significance and are not necessarily all inclusive.

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this drug or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Amifampridine
• Piperaquine

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not usually recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both drugs are prescribed together your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Anagrelide
• Aripiprazole
• Atazanavir
• Bupropion
• Buserelin
• Clarithromycin
• Clozapine
• Crizotinib
• Dabrafenib
• Dasatinib
• Delamanid
• Delavirdine
• Deslorelin
• Domperidone
• Escitalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Gonadorelin
• Goserelin
• Histrelin
• Ivabradine
• Ketoconazole
• Ledipasvir
• Leuprolide
• Metronidazole
• Nafarelin
• Ondansetron
• Pazopanib
• Quetiapine
• Rilpivirine
• Sevoflurane
• Tizanidine
• Tolazoline
• Triptorelin
• Vandetanib
• Vemurafenib
• Vinflunine
• Vismodegib

Using this medication with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Cefditoren Pivoxil
• Cefpodoxime Proxetil
• Cyclosporine

Can food or alcohol interact with famotidine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with famotidine?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially kidney disease, moderate or severe. Use with care. Side effects can increase due to the slow removal of the drug from the body.

Famotidine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.