Why it is Prescribed
Prescription famotidine is used to to treat ulcers (sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine); gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD, a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (tube that connects the mouth and stomach)]; and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (tumors in the pancreas or small intestine that cause increased production of stomach acid). Over-the-counter famotidine is used to prevent and treat heartburn due to acid indigestion and sour stomach caused by eating or drinking certain foods or drinks. Famotidine is in a class of medications called H 2 blockers. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
How it Works
Prescription famotidine comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Prescription famotidine is used to to treat ulcers (sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine); gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD, a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (tube that connects the mouth and stomach)]; and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (tumors in the pancreas or small intestine that cause increased production of stomach acid). Over-the-counter famotidine is used to prevent and treat heartburn due to acid indigestion and sour stomach caused by eating or drinking certain foods or drinks. Famotidine is in a class of medications called H 2 blockers. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
How it Works
Prescription famotidine comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily at bedtime or two to four times a day. Over-the-counter famotidine comes as a tablet, a chewable tablet, and a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. To prevent symptoms, it is taken 15 to 60 minutes before eating foods or drinking drinks that may cause heartburn. Follow the directions on your prescription or the package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take famotidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid well for 5 to 10 ...
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Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Precautions
Before taking famotidine,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to famotidine, cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid), ranitidine (Zantac), or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any other medications for heartburn. Do not take over-the-counter famotidine with any other prescription or nonprescription medications for heartburn unless a doctor tells you that you should.
tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inborn disease in which mental retardation develops if a specific diet is not followed), and if you have or have ever had trouble swallowing or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan ...
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Possible Side Effects
Famotidine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of ...
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Special Dietary Concerns
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not allow the liquid to freeze. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed, and throw away unused famotidine liquid after 30 days. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
