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Famotidine >>
Consumer Information
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Famotidine
CAS number 161796-78-7
USES: Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach or intestines.
It may be used to prevent intestinal ulcers from returning after treatment.
This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems
caused by too much acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive
esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal
reflux disease-GERD).
Famotidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the
amount of acid in your stomach. This helps heal and prevent ulcers and
improves symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food,
usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking
this medication once daily, it is usually taken at bedtime.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and
response to therapy. In children, dosage may also be based on body weight.
You may take other medications (e.g., antacids) for your condition as
recommended by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To
help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase
your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking this
medication without your doctor's approval because this may delay healing of
the ulcer.
If you are using nonprescription famotidine for self-treatment of acid
indigestion or heartburn, take 1 tablet by mouth with a glass of water as
needed. To prevent heartburn, take 1 tablet by mouth with a glass of water
15-60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause heartburn.
Do not use more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor.
Do not take for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, constipation, diarrhea, or dizziness may
occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or
she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side
effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs
of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), mental/mood
changes (e.g., restlessness, confusion, depression, hallucinations),
persistent nausea/vomiting, seizure, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark
urine, yellowing skin/eyes.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble
breathing.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking famotidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 blockers such as cimetidine,
ranitidine; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical
history, especially of: immune system problems, kidney problems, liver
problems, lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease-COPD), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).
Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your
doctor immediately if you have: heartburn combined with
lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain
(especially with trouble breathing), pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders,
unexplained weight loss.
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution while engaging in activities
requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic
beverages.
Do not use to treat children younger than 12 unless directed by the doctor.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by
the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side
effects while using this drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in
the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially
confusion and dizziness.
Famotidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C)
away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30
degrees C) is permitted. Store the nonprescription medication at room
temperature between 68-86 degrees F (20-30 degrees C). Do not store in the
bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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