Famotidine

Tablets: The usual adult dose of famotidine tablets ranges from 20 mg or 40 mg at bedtime to 20 mg or 40 mg twice daily, depending on the condition being treated. Famotidine can be taken with or without food. Seniors and those with decreased kidney function may require lower doses or longer intervals between doses.

• The dose of famotidine for treatment of duodenal ulcer is 40 mg at bedtime for 4 to 8 weeks, or less if healing occurs. Therapy is often continued after healing of the ulcer at a dose of 20 mg once daily for up to 6 to 12 months.
• The usual dose for treatment of benign stomach ulcer is 40 mg once a day at bedtime for 4 to 8 weeks, or less if healing occurs.
• For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and similar conditions, the dose varies with the individual patient, but often starts with 20 mg every 6 hours.
• When used to relieve the symptoms of GERD or prevent GERD from returning, the usual dose is 20 mg twice daily. When used to treat esophageal damage related to GERD, the usual dose is 40 mg twice daily.

When used over-the-counter to treat acid indigestion, heartburn, or sour or upset stomach, the usual dose for adults and children 12 years of age or older is 10 mg to 20 mg when symptoms are experienced. To prevent symptoms brought on by consuming food or beverages, take the dose 10 to 15 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that are expected to cause symptoms. The maximum dose is 40 mg every 24 hours. Do not take Famotidine every day for more than 2 weeks without seeking medical advice.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Famotidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Famotidine at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

20 mg
Each buff coloured, bi-convex, D-shaped, film-coated tablet, engraved "novo" on one side and "20" on the other, contains 20 mg of famotidine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, pregelatinized starch, and titanium dioxide.

40 mg
Each light brown, D-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet, engraved "novo" on one side and "40" on the other, contains 40 mg of famotidine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, pregelatinized starch, and titanium dioxide.

Do not take Famotidine if you:

• are allergic to famotidine or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to other acid-reducing agents known as H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., Ranitidine, Cimetidine, Nizatidine)

There may be an interaction between famotidine and any of the following:

• "azole" antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole)
• cefuroxime
• certain protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., Bosutinib, Dabrafenib, Dasatinib, Nilotinib, pazotinib)
• Cyclosporine
• dexmethylphenidate
• indinavir
• iron supplements (e.g., ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate)
• ledipasvir
• Mesalamine
• multiple vitamin supplements with iron
• rilpivirine
• Risedronate (delayed-release)
• Tizanidine
• Varenicline
• velpatasvir

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Famotidine. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Famotidine.

Kidney Disease: Famotidine is removed from the body mostly by the kidneys. Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause Famotidine to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Famotidine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Famotidine, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Lower doses or longer intervals between doses may be needed.

Severe stomach problems: Although common, heartburn and acid indigestion can sometimes be a warning sign for more serious stomach problems. If you are over the age of 40 and are experiencing heartburn for the first time, you should check with your health care professional before starting Famotidine. If you have recurrent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, blood in the stool, significant unintentional weight loss, fatigue (Anemia), or are coughing up blood, check with your doctor right away. If you have heartburn that continues, worsens, or returns after using Famotidine continuously for 2 weeks, check with your doctor. If you frequently need to use Famotidine for heartburn for 14 days in a row, you should see your doctor.

Pregnancy: Famotidine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Famotidine, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Famotidine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking famotidine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Famotidine have not been established for children. For the over-the-counter form, the safety and effectiveness of using Famotidine have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors are at an increased likelihood of having decreased kidney function and therefore may be more likely to experience side effects. If you are a senior, your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking famotidine.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. This medication was prescribed for a specific period of time. Take it for the entire time prescribed in order to achieve the medication's full benefit, even if you begin to feel better sooner. Avoid using or consuming substances that may irritate your stomach, such as: Cigarettes Alcohol and alcohol-containing products Coffee, tea and chocolate Acidic or spicy food Fried foods Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.