DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Famotidine

March 21, 2017

Famotidine Chewable tablet

What is this medicine?

FAMOTIDINE (fa MOE ti deen) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can also relieve heartburn from acid reflux.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • kidney or liver disease

  • phenylketonuria

  • trouble swallowing

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to famotidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Chew it completely before swallowing. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • delavirdine

  • itraconazole

  • ketoconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better or if it gets worse. Finish the full course of tablets prescribed, even if you feel better.

Do not take with aspirin, ibuprofen or other antiinflammatory medicines. These can make your condition worse.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These cause irritation in your stomach and can increase the time it will take for ulcers to heal.

If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

If you have phenylketonuria you should not use this medicine as it contains phenylalanine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • agitation, nervousness

  • confusion

  • hallucinations

  • skin rash, itching

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 30 degrees C (68 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Famotidine Oral suspension

What is this medicine?

FAMOTIDINE (fa MOE ti deen) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can also relieve heartburn from acid reflux.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • kidney or liver disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to famotidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake the bottle for 5 to 10 seconds. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. If you only take this medicine once a day, take it at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • delavirdine

  • itraconazole

  • ketoconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better or if it gets worse. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed, even if you feel better.

Do not take with aspirin, ibuprofen or other antiinflammatory medicines. These can make your condition worse.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These cause irritation in your stomach and can increase the time it will take for ulcers to heal.

If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • agitation, nervousness

  • confusion

  • hallucinations

  • skin rash, itching

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused suspension after thirty days.

Famotidine Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

FAMOTIDINE (fa MOE ti deen) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can also relieve heartburn from acid reflux.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • kidney or liver disease

  • trouble swallowing

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to famotidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you only take this medicine once a day, take it at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • delavirdine

  • itraconazole

  • ketoconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better or if it gets worse. Finish the full course of tablets prescribed, even if you feel better.

Do not take with aspirin, ibuprofen or other antiinflammatory medicines. These can make your condition worse.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These cause irritation in your stomach and can increase the time it will take for ulcers to heal.

If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • agitation, nervousness

  • confusion

  • hallucinations

  • skin rash, itching

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Famotidine Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

FAMOTIDINE (fa MOE ti deen) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort, and the heartburn from acid reflux.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • kidney or liver disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to famotidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • delavirdine

  • itraconazole

  • ketoconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better or gets worse.

Do not take with aspirin, ibuprofen, or other antiinflammatory medicines. These can aggravate your condition.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation in your stomach and can increase the time it will take for ulcers to heal. Cigarettes and alcohol can also worsen acid reflux or heartburn.

If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • agitation, nervousness

  • confusion

  • hallucinations

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic. You will not be given this medicine to store at home.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert