Famotidine



Fluxid™; Pepcid®; Pepcid® AC [OTC]







Famotidine

(fa MOE ti deen)

U.S. Brand Names
Fluxid™; Pepcid®; Pepcid® AC [OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Famotidine®; Famotidine Omega; Gen-Famotidine; Novo-Famotidine; Nu-Famotidine; Pepcid®; Pepcid® AC; Pepcid® I.V.; ratio-Famotidine; Riva-Famotidine; Ulcidine
Mexican Brand Names
Durater®; Famoxal®; Farmotex®; Pepcidine®; Sigafam®
Pharmacologic Category
Histamine H
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to famotidine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat gastrointestinal ulcers caused by infection.
  • This medicine is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.
  • This medicine is used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
  • This medicine is used to treat syndromes caused by huge amounts of stomach acid.
How does it work?
  • Famotidine prevents symptoms and damage to the gastrointestinal tract caused by stomach acid or infection.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine at bedtime if you are taking once a day.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 12 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you need Pepcid® AC for more than 14 days in a row, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store gelcaps and tablets at room temperature.
  • Protect gelcaps and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 30 days.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: