How Famotidine works

Famotidine is an H2 blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach which helps in relief of acid-related indigestion and heartburn.

Side Effects

Headache, Muscle pain, Fatigue, Diarrhoea, Drowsiness, Constipation

Usage

Famotidine is used in the treatment of acidity, heartburn, intestinal ulcers and stomach ulcers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How is Famotidine different from omeprazole?

Both Famotidine and omeprazole lower the acid production in your stomach but they belong to the different group of drugs. Studies have shown that omeprazole is more effective than Famotidine in treating heartburn and in rapid healing of duodenal ulcers. However, the effect of these medicines may vary upon individual response.

Q. Is Famotidine an antacid?

Famotidine belongs to the class of H2 receptor blockers which decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach. While antacids only neutralize the stomach acid by coating the stomach.

Q. What is the difference between Famotidine and pantoprazole?

Famotidine is an H2 histamine receptor blocker whereas pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Pantoprazole is more potent at inhibiting gastric acid production compared to famotidine and also its effect lasts for a long time.

Q. How is Famotidine different from cimetidine?

Both Famotidine and cimetidine lower gastric acid secretion by blocking the H2 receptor in the stomach. However, Famotidine is longer acting, more efficacious, and has very less side effects when compared to cimetidine.

Q. Is Famotidine safe to use?

Famotidine is safe if used for a prescribed duration in doses as prescribed by your physician. However, there are some common side effects that you can experience with the dose advised, like a headache, muscle pain, fatigue, diarrhea, drowsiness, and constipation.

Q. Can I take Famotidine with ibuprofen?

Famotidine can be taken with ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a pain killer and belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) which can cause stomach acidity, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. Drugs like Famotidine are used to prevent and treat gastric problems caused by ibuprofen.

Q. Would there be a change in the dose of Famotidine in patients undergoing dialysis?

Yes, there could be a change in the dose of Famotidine in patients undergoing dialysis. In patients with severe renal failure, a lower dose of Famotidine is recommended. However, patients who undergo dialysis do not need to add a dose even if there is a considerable variation in the clearance of the drug from the body in these patients.

Q. Can I take Famotidine with aspirin?

Aspirin can be taken with Famotidine. Aspirin is a pain killer and belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) which can increase the gastric acid secretion and worsen stomach acidity, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. On the other hand, drugs like Famotidine are used to prevent and treat gastric problems caused by painkillers.

Q. Why does Famotidine cause dizziness?

Dizziness is a commonly reported side effect with the use of Famotidine. The exact mechanism of this is not known. However, it is suggested to block H2 receptor located in some brain areas (cerebral cortex and corpus striatum) which can lead to dizziness. Do not drive or use any machinery in case you feel dizzy while taking Famotidine.

Q. What is the role of Famotidine before surgery?

Famotidine is given as a part of pre-anesthetic medication before surgery to decrease the stomach acid secretion so that stomach acid is not aspirated into the lungs during surgery.

Q. Can I take Famotidine with ranitidine?

Both Famotidine and ranitidine lower gastric acid secretion by blocking the H2 receptor in the stomach. They are not used together as they have a similar action and use and when used together, there could be an increased risk of side effects.

Q. What is the role of Famotidine in critically ill patients?

Famotidine may be used in critically ill patients to decrease stomach acid secretion and lower the risk of acid aspiration into the lungs. It also helps in decreasing stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients.

Q. What is the difference between Famotidine and esomeprazole?

Famotidine is an H2 histamine receptor blocker whereas esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Esomeprazole is more potent at inhibiting gastric acid production compared to Famotidine and also its effect lasts for a long time.

Q. Is Famotidine an over the counter product?

Famotidine is not available as an over the counter (OTC) product. It is a prescription medicine and is available when prescribed by a doctor.

Q. Are there any withdrawal symptoms associated with the use of Famotidine?

Famotidine is not seen to be associated with any withdrawal symptoms. In treatment-withdrawal studies of Famotidine, no significant withdrawal symptoms were observed after discontinuing the medication.

Q. Why is Famotidine added to total parenteral nutrition?

Patients on total parenteral nutrition are prone to increased secretion of stomach acid in the absence of food. H2 receptor blockers like Famotidine is given in these patients to decrease acid secretion and prevent gastric ulcers.

Q. What are the side effects of Famotidine seen in infants?

Irritability, lethargy, diarrhea, dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and urticaria are some of the side effects reported with the use of Famotidine in infants (children less than 1 year of age).

Q. Why is Famotidine used in cancer patients?

Famotidine may be used for multiple reasons in cancer patients. It can lower stomach acid volume in patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent aspiration and lower the risk of stomach ulceration and bleeding. According to some studies, Famotidine can potentiate white blood cell against cancer cells and can be helpful in the treatment of cancer.

Q. When does Famotidine expire?

Yes, Famotidine does expire. Please check the expiry date written on the pack and it refers to the last day of that month. Do not use Famotidine after the expiry date.

Q. Is there any benefit of taking Famotidine with Lansoprazole?

Both Famotidine and pantoprazole lower gastric acid secretion, however, they work by different mechanisms. If you have been advised to take pantoprazole, you can take Famotidine initially for rapid relief of heartburn and acid reflux as pantoprazole may take a few days to show its effect and help in relieving symptoms.

Q. What is the benefit of taking Famotidine with Pantoprazole?

Both Famotidine and pantoprazole lower gastric acid secretion, however, they work by different mechanisms. If you have been advised to take pantoprazole, you can also take Famotidine initially for rapid relief of heartburn and acid reflux as omeprazole may take a few days to show its effect and provide relief.

Q. Does Famotidine use cause hair loss?

No, use of Famotidine is not seen to cause hair loss. Some common side effects associated with its use includes a headache, muscle pain, fatigue, diarrhea, drowsiness, and constipation.

Q. What are the side effects of Famotidine in elderly?

No specific studies have been done to study the use of Famotidine in elderly. Headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and urticaria are some of the side effects reported with its use. Elderly patients are more prone to have kidney related problems and so a dose adjustment may be needed.

Q. Is it safe to take Famotidine with Tramadol?

Yes Famotidine can be taken with Tramadol. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Can I take Famotidine with Ciprofloxacin?

Famotidine and Ciprofloxacin can be taken together. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Famotidine is sometimes given along with for the relief of associated stomach acidity or acid reflux. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Is it safe to take Famotidine with Azithromycin?

Famotidine and Azithromycin can be taken together. Azithromycin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Famotidine is sometimes given along with for the relief of associated stomach acidity or acid reflux. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Can I take Famotidine with Doxycyclin?

Famotidine and Doxycyclin can be taken together. Doxycyclin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Famotidine is sometimes given along with for the relief of associated stomach acidity or acid reflux. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.