General Information and Indications:
Prescription famotidine is used to to
treat ulcers (sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine);
gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD, a condition in which backward flow of
acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (tube
that connects the mouth and stomach)]; and conditions where the stomach
produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (tumors in the
pancreas or small intestine that cause increased production of stomach
acid). Over-the-counter famotidine is used to prevent and treat heartburn
due to acid indigestion and sour stomach caused by eating or drinking
certain foods or drinks. Famotidine is in a class of medications called H2
receptor antagonist.
Information For Users:
Prescription famotidine comes as a tablet and a
suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily at
bedtime or two to four times a day. Over-the-counter famotidine comes as a
tablet, a chewable tablet, and a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually
taken once or twice a day. To prevent symptoms, it is taken 15 to 60 minutes
before eating foods or drinking drinks that may cause heartburn. Follow the
directions on your prescription or the package label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take
famotidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it
more often or for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid well for 5 to 10 seconds before each use to mix the
medicine evenly.
Swallow the tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.
Thoroughly chew the chewable tablets before swallowing them. Swallow the
chewed tablet with a full glass of water.
Do not take more than two tablets, capsules, or chewable tablets of over-the
-counter famotidine in 24 hours and do not take over-the-counter famotidine
for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you that you should. If
symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach last longer than 2
weeks, stop taking over-the-counter famotidine and call your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to famotidine, cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid), ranitidine
(Zantac), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention any other medications for heartburn. Do not take
over-the-counter famotidine with any other prescription or nonprescription
medications for heartburn unless a doctor tells you that you should.
o Inform your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inborn disease in
which mental retardation develops if a specific diet is not followed), and
if you have or have ever had trouble swallowing or kidney disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking famotidine, call your
doctor.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Famotidine may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o headache
o dizziness
o constipation
o diarrhea
o fussiness (in babies who take famotidine)
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them call your doctor without delay:
o hives (Urticaria)
o skin rash
o itching
o swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or
lower legs
o hoarseness
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
Brand Name(s):
o Pepcid®
o Pepcid® AC
o Pepcid® AC Gelcaps
o Pepcid® AC Maximum Strength
o Pepcid® Complete
o Pepcid® I.V.
o Pepcid® Premixed in Iso-osmotic Sodium Chloride Injection
o Pepcid® RPD |
