Uses
Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and to prevent intestinal ulcers from coming back after they have healed. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems (such as erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as cough that doesn't go away, stomach pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Famotidine belongs to a class of drugs known as H2 blockers.
This form of famotidine is given by vein and is used to treat these conditions for a short time when you cannot take the medication by mouth. Your doctor should switch you to taking this medication by mouth when possible.
How To Use
This medication is injected into a vein as directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage may also be based on body weight.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Headache, constipation, diarrhea, or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills)
- mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion, depression)
- hearing/seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
- seizure
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using 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. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- immune system problems
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- lung problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)
- other stomach problems (such as tumors)
Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Get medical help right away if you have:
- heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness
- chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating)
- unexplained weight loss
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as confusion), seizure, or unusual tiredness.
During pregnancy, famotidine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is:
Some products need stomach acid so that the body can absorb them properly. Famotidine decreases stomach acid, so it may change how well these products work. Some affected products include atazanavir, dasatinib, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), levoketoconazole, pazopanib, sparsentan, among others.
Do not take this medication with other products that contain famotidine or other H2 blockers (cimetidine, nizatidine, ranitidine).
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (such as avoiding caffeine and certain spices) may help this medication work better. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as endoscopy, kidney function) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
