Uses
This combination of three medications is used to treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach (acid indigestion). Famotidine is a drug that blocks acid release in the stomach and can help stop heartburn and acid indigestion from coming back. Calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide are antacids that work quickly to lower acid in the stomach and stop heartburn.
How To Use
Chew one tablet completely and swallow as needed to stop/prevent the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion, or take as directed by your doctor. Do not swallow the tablets whole.
Do not take more than 2 tablets within 24 hours. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This product contains an antacid which may react with other medications, preventing them from being fully absorbed by your body. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to schedule your medications to prevent this problem.
Stop taking this medication and call your doctor promptly if your symptoms continue after you begin taking it, or if they do not improve after you have been taking this medication for 14 days in a row. Do not take this medicine for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor.
Side Effects
Diarrhea, headache, constipation, or stomach cramps may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that 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, 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 rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any 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 taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to famotidine; or to other H2 blockers (such as cimetidine, ranitidine); or to other antacids containing calcium/magnesium; 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.
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product:
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- 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
In addition, before you self-treat with this medication, get medical help right away if you have any of these signs of a serious condition:
- trouble/pain swallowing food
- bloody vomit
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- bloody/black stools
- heartburn for over 3 months
- frequent chest pain
- frequent wheezing (especially with heartburn)
- nausea/vomiting
- stomach pain
Do not use this medication in children younger than 12 unless directed by the doctor.
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, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
See also How To Use section.
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.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- bisphosphonates (such as alendronate)
- tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline)
- quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
- calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem, verapamil)
- digoxin
- fezolinetant
- phosphate supplements (such as potassium phosphate)
- quinidine
- raltegravir
- sodium polystyrene sulfonate
- thyroid medicine (such as levothyroxine)
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
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.
Missed Dose
Not applicable.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. 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.
