Famotidine

About Famotidine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as H2-receptor antagonists.

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), reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux or heartburn) and Zollinger-Ellison disease.

Famotidine can also be used to treat irritation and ulceration of the stomach caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

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.

Famotidine is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Pepcid. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Famotidine

• Take famotidine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue as normal. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of famotidine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not stop taking famotidine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition.
• Try to avoid foods that may upset your stomach such as, alcohol, citrus fruits and juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes or spicy food.
• Famotidine can cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try sucking sugar-free sweets, pieces of ice or chewing sugar-free gum. If your mouth becomes too dry, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside famotidine.

Can Famotidine cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Diarrhoea, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, tiredness, confusion, depression, seeing or hearing thing that aren’t real, enlargement of the breasts, sexual problems, anxiety, skin rashes, loss of appetite, dry mouth, unusual aches and pains or fever.

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

How to store Famotidine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely and out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 03/03/2003