Famotidine
About
Famotidine belongs to a group of medicines called ‘H2-receptor antagonists that reduce acid production in the stomach. It treats stomach ulcers (gastric and duodenal ulcers), reflux oesophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Stomach ulcers are painful sores present on the inner lining of the stomach. Reflux esophagitis is the inflammation of the oesophagus (food pipe) that causes the backward flow of stomach contents into the oesophagus. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a condition in which the tumours formed in the pancreas (produces enzymes for digestion) and duodenum (part of the small intestine) increase stomach acids.
Famotidine contains ‘Famotidine’, which acts as an antacid. It inhibits the H2-receptors present in stomach cells. It reduces the production of acid and the volume of gastric secretions. As excess acid can cause the inflammation of the oesophagus, stomach, and intestine, a reduction in the production leads to improvement in the symptoms and condition.
Famotidine must be taken in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. Sometimes, you may experience headaches, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects of Famotidine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Famotidine is not recommended for use in children and breastfeeding mothers. Do not take Famotidine if you are allergic to famotidine, other H2 receptor antagonists, or any other ingredients present in it. Before taking Famotidine, inform your doctor if you are taking prescription or non-prescription medications, including antacids, any nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Inform your doctor if you have any gastrointestinal problems, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, lactose intolerance, or kidney diseases. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Uses of Famotidine
Medicinal Benefits
Famotidine belongs to a class of medications called H2 receptor antagonists. Histamine binds to the H2 receptors present in parietal cells of the stomach and stimulates the production of acid. Famotidine bind to these receptors and blocks the histamine action. It also decreases the gastric secretion content. It also reduces the gastric secretion stimulated by food, caffeine, insulin, and pentagastrin. Caffeine, insulin (used in the treatment of diabetes), and pentagastrin (a synthetic drug that aid in diagnosing thyroid malignancy) stimulate gastric acid secretion.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Famotidine
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Famotidine should not be used in children and breastfeeding mothers. Do not take Famotidine if you are allergic to famotidine, other H2 receptor antagonists, or any other ingredients present in it. Before taking Famotidine, inform your doctor if you have any gastrointestinal problems, Helicobacter pylori infection, lactose intolerance, or kidney diseases. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Famotidine may interact with other antacids, antifungal drugs (ketoconazole and itraconazole), medications used to treat hepatitis C (Ledipasvir / Sofosbuvir), medications used to treat leukaemia (nilotinib, dasatinib), antibiotic medications (cefditoren), and HIV medications (rilpivirine, fosamprenavir).
Drug-food interactions: Famotidine may interact with alcohol and increase the risk of side effects.
Drug-disease interactions: Famotidine should be used with caution in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, lactose intolerance, H. pylori infection, and renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionFamotidine may interact with alcohol and increase the risk of side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionFamotidine is a category B medicine. It should be used only when prescribed by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
unsafeFamotidine is excreted in breast milk. So, it is should not be given to breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
cautionFamotidine may cause dizziness and headache. So, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Famotidine.
Liver
cautionFamotidine should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionFamotidine should be used only when prescribed by a doctor. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Children
unsafeFamotidine is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy weight. Lose excess weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating.
- Eat smaller meals in short intervals.
- Elevate the head of the bed while sleeping.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Reduce stress.
- Do not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without the doctor's advice.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Stomach ulcer: Stomach ulcers, also called gastric ulcers, are sores present in the inner lining of the digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach, or small intestine). It occurs when acid (produced during digestion) in the stomach damages the inner lining. Frequent use of pain killers such as aspirin and an underlying H. pylori infection may cause stomach ulcers. Symptoms include nausea, changes in appetite, bloody or dark stools, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and indigestion.
Reflux esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back to the oesophagus (food pipe). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which tumours form in the pancreas (organ present near the abdomen and produces enzymes for digestion) or duodenum (first section of the small intestine) leads to an increase in the production of stomach acid. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
FAQs
Famotidine blocks the H2 receptors present on the stomach cells and reduces acid production. It improves symptoms such as heartburn, stomach pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Do not take Famotidine for the long term unless prescribed by a doctor. Prolonged use may cause unwanted side-effects. So, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks associated with the drug before using for the long-term.
Famotidine should be taken at night time as acid reflux is usually worse at night time. Take the tablet at a fixed time every day for better results.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which one or more tumours form in your pancreas or the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum).
