Famotidine
Indications
- Famotidine is used for treating stomach and intestinal ulcers, preventing the recurrence of intestinal ulcers, and addressing certain stomach and throat issues (erosive esophagitis, GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
- It reduces stomach acid production to alleviate symptoms such as persistent cough, stomach pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing.
- Famotidine belongs to the class of drugs known as H2 blockers.
- The medication is available both with and without a prescription.
- In over-the-counter use, it helps prevent and treat heartburn and symptoms caused by excessive stomach acid. It’s crucial to carefully follow the manufacturer’s package instructions for self-treatment and consult a doctor or pharmacist when needed.
Dosage and administration
- Take the medication orally, with or without food, once or twice daily as directed by the doctor.
- If taken once daily, it’s usually before bedtime.
- Dosage and duration depend on the medical condition and response to therapy.
- In children, the dosage may be weight dependent.
- Other medications like antacids may be used as recommended by the doctor.
- Take the medication regularly at the same time(s) each day for maximum benefit.
- Do not increase the dose or frequency without doctor approval, and do not stop without approval to avoid delaying ulcer healing.
- For nonprescription famotidine (self-treatment of acid indigestion or heartburn), take 1 tablet with water as needed.
- To prevent heartburn, take 1 tablet with water 15-60 minutes before consuming triggering food or beverages. Do not exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by the doctor.
- Do not use for more than 14 consecutive days without consulting the doctor.
- Inform the doctor if the condition does not improve or worsens.
Side effects
- Possible side effects include headache, constipation, or diarrhea.
- Inform the doctor or pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.
- If directed by the doctor to use the medication, consider the benefit outweighing potential risks.
- Many users don’t experience serious side effects.
- Contact the doctor immediately for serious side effects such as easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection, or mental/mood changes.
- Seek immediate medical help for very serious side effects like fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, or seizures.
- While a severe allergic reaction is rare, seek immediate medical help for symptoms like rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- The list of side effects provided is not exhaustive; contact the doctor or pharmacist for other observed effects.
Precautions
- Inform the doctor or pharmacist about allergies to famotidine or other H2 blockers.
- Inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions; consult the pharmacist for details.
- Disclose medical history, especially immune system, kidney, liver, and lung problems.
- Seek immediate medical help for serious symptoms like heartburn with lightheadedness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain, or unexplained weight loss.
- Before self-treating, get immediate medical help for signs of serious conditions like trouble swallowing, bloody vomit or stools, heartburn over 3 months, frequent chest pain, or nausea/vomiting.
- Do not use for children under 12 without doctor’s direction.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects like mental/mood changes, seizure, or unusual tiredness.
- Use famotidine during pregnancy only if necessary; discuss risks and benefits with the doctor.
- The drug passes into breast milk, consult the doctor before breastfeeding.
Buy Pepcid at Online Canadian Pharmacy.
