Famotidine
Information about Famotidine
Famotidine uses
Famotidine is used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), peptic ulcer disease and heartburn.
How famotidine works
Famotidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist. It works by reducing the acid produced in the stomach. This helps to relieve acid-related indigestion and heartburn.
Common side effects of famotidine
Headache, Diarrhea, Drowsiness, Constipation
Available Medicine for Famotidine
Expert advice for Famotidine
- Famotidine is a well tolerated and safe medicine with a very low incidence of side effects.
- Take it with or without food.
- If you are also taking other medications to treat acidity (e.g., antacid), take them 2 hours before or after taking Famotidine.
- Avoid taking soft drinks, citrus fruits like orange and lemon, which can irritate the stomach and increase acid secretion.
- Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after taking Famotidine for 2 weeks as you may be suffering from some other problems.
- Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney disease as dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.
- Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions for Famotidine
Famotidine
Q. Can I take Famotidine empty stomach?
Famotidine may be taken with or without food. It can be taken once daily before bedtime or twice daily in the morning and before bedtime, as recommended.
Q. How long does it take for Famotidine to start working?
Famotidine starts working as fast as within 15 minutes from when it is given. Its effect is seen to last all day or all night.
Q. What is the difference between Famotidine and Omeprazole?
Famotidine and Omeprazole belong to different groups of medicines. While Famotidine belongs to histamine H2 antagonists group, Omeprazole belongs to proton pump inhibitors group. Both these medicines work by reducing the amount of acid made by the stomach, to relieve the symptoms and allow healing.