FAMOTIDIN

This medicine contains the active ingredient Famotidine which belongs to a group of medicines known as histamine-2 blockers that help balance the amount of acid produced. These medicines reduce the production of gastric acid. Famotidine is prescribed for the treatment of reflux (stomach acid goes into gullet causing heartburn, pain and inflammation), stomach and intestines ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (growth in pancreas), and it is also prescribed to prevent stomach ulcers to form and to bleed. 

Is Famotidine suitable for me?

Famotidine is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Famotidine, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• have serious liver or kidney problems.
• have had a stomach ulcer or stomach surgery in the past
• have stomach cancer
• have asthma
• have a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

Famotidine interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Famotidine?

This medicine is available in form of a film-coated tablet.

You should take Famotidine exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose will be prescribed according to your condition and needs. The usual dose is 40 mg taken once a day at bedtime or 20 mg taken twice a day. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose. Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Famotidine side effects?

Like all medicines Famotidine can cause side effects, including:

Uncommon:

• diarrhea or constipation

Rare:

• Swelling of the breasts or breast soreness
• stomach discomfort
• blemishes on the skin
• change in taste
• noise in the ears
• decreased sexual desire
• difficulty with moving
• dry skin
• fear
• hair loss
• hearing loss
• hives or welts
• mood or mental changes
• muscle cramps
• muscle stiffness
• pimples
• redness of the skin
• redness of the white part of the eyes
• hallucinations
• sleeplessness
• weight loss

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.