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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Famotidine

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Famotidine

  • Famotidine reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
  • Side-effects may include diarrhoea, dizziness and tiredness. These effects are usually mild and do not last long.

About famotidine

Type of medicineH2-receptor antagonist
Used forStomach and duodenal ulcers
Reflux oesophagitis (heartburn)
Some other conditions caused by too much stomach acid
Also calledPepcid®
Available asTablets

Famotidine is used to treat certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach, such as stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers), ulcers of the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (caused by stomach acid and food going back up into your food pipe) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Acid is produced naturally in the stomach to help digest food. Excessive amounts of acid can irritate the stomach lining causing inflammation, ulcers and other conditions. Famotidine works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, relieving pain and helping to repair the damage.

Before taking famotidine

Before taking famotidine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have kidney problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take famotidine

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take famotidine exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take famotidine at the same time(s) each day to avoid missing any doses. It is usually taken once or twice a day.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition. If you are a smoker, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about how to quit.
  • Try to avoid foods that may upset your stomach, such as alcohol, citrus fruits and juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes or spicy food.
  • Keep any regular doctor's appointments so that your progress can be monitored.

Can famotidine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Rare side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 1,000 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Stomach upsetEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller
Dizziness, skin rash and tirednessIf any of these are troublesome, let your doctor or pharmacist know

Important: if you experience any unexplained fever, sore throat, bruising, or swelling of the face and mouth with difficulty breathing, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store famotidine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Pepcid®, Merck Sharp & Dohme, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed July 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009DocID: 3809DocRef: dils3821Last Reviewed: 15 Sep 2009Version: 22
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