Medication guide
Famotidine
- Generic name
- Famotidine
- Common brand names
- Pepcid AC, Zantac 360
- Medication class
- H2 receptor antagonist
Overview
Its medication class is H2 receptor antagonist. Common uses include Occasional reflux, epigastric discomfort, and heartburn. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Oral antacid/anti-reflux product.
- Time of day
- Use after meals and at bedtime for reflux or heartburn; PPIs often before breakfast.
- With food/water
- Take with water; PPIs should be taken with water before first meal.
- Preparation
- Swallow tablets/capsules whole; do not exceed label antacid spacing with other meds.
- Safe dose
- Use lowest effective acid-relief dose.
- Max dose
- Adhere to OTC daily total for each ingredient class.
- Frequency
- 1–4 times/day depending active and symptom control.
- Other recommendations
- If symptoms continue >2 weeks or recur, seek clinician evaluation.
Common uses
- Occasional reflux
- epigastric discomfort
- heartburn
Common side effects
- Headache
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- fatigue
- abdominal pain
- and skin rash
Important warnings
- Reduce dose in kidney impairment. Avoid abrupt discontinuation after prolonged high-dose use. Use caution in heart disease and in pregnancy/lactation discussions. Consider interaction monitoring if on warfarin/phenytoin at long duration.
General interactions information
Fewer interactions than cimetidine; some interaction with drugs depending on timing
Sources / references
- Famotidine — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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