Famotidine
About Famotidine
Famotidine belongs to a group of medicines called ‘H2-receptor antagonists that reduce acid production in the stomach. It treats stomach ulcers (gastric and duodenal ulcers), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Stomach ulcers are painful sores present on the inner lining of the stomach. GERD is a condition in which the backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury to the oesophagus. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a condition in which the tumours formed in the pancreas and duodenum (part of the small intestine) increase stomach acids.
Famotidine contains ‘Famotidine’, which acts as an antacid. It inhibits the H2-receptors present in the stomach wall. It reduces the production of acid and the volume of gastric secretions. As excess acid can cause inflammation of the oesophagus, stomach, and intestine, and a reduction in the output leads to improvement in the symptoms and condition.
Famotidine is an alternative to the oral dosage form for short-term use in patients who are unable to take oral medication. It is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting; do not self-administer. You may experience headaches, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take it if you are allergic to famotidine, other H2 receptor antagonists, or any other components in Famotidine. Famotidine can be found in human milk. Nursing mothers should either stop using this medication or discontinue breastfeeding. If you have gastrointestinal difficulties, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, lactose intolerance, or kidney illness, inform your doctor. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving this injection. Famotidine is not recommended for children. Limit consumption of alcohol as it may worsen your condition. Famotidine causes headache and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert.
Uses of Famotidine
Medicinal Benefits
Famotidine belongs to a class of medications called H2 receptor antagonists. Histamine binds to the H2 receptors present in the parietal cells of the stomach and stimulates the production of acid. Famotidine bind to these receptors and blocks the histamine action. This aids in the relief of acid indigestion heartburn and other associated symptoms. Besides this, it can also reduce gastric secretion stimulated by food, caffeine, insulin, and pentagastrin. Caffeine, insulin (used in treating diabetes), and pentagastrin (a synthetic drug that aid in diagnosing thyroid malignancy) stimulate gastric acid secretion.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Famotidine
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
Drug Warnings
Famotidine should not be used in children. Famotidine can be found in human milk. Nursing mothers should either stop using this medication or discontinue breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Do not take Famotidine if you are allergic to famotidine, other H2 receptor antagonists, or any other ingredients present in this medicine. Before taking the Famotidine, inform your doctor if you have any gastrointestinal problems, Helicobacter pylori infection, lactose intolerance, or kidney problems.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: No drug interactions have been identified
Drug-food interactions: No interactions have been identified.
Drug-disease interactions: Famotidine should be used with caution in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, lactose intolerance, H. pylori infection, and renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimited information is available on the interaction with Famotidine. If you have any concerns discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionFamotidine should be used in pregnant women only if clinically needed, and the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeFamotidine can be found in human milk. Nursing mothers should either stop using this medication or discontinue breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionFamotidine may cause dizziness and headache. So, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after receiving Famotidine.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Famotidine if you have had a liver impairment or ongoing liver conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Famotidine if you have had a kidney impairment or ongoing kidney conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your condition.
Children
unsafeFamotidine is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy weight. Lose excess weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating.
- Eat smaller meals in short intervals.
- Elevate the head of the bed while sleeping.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Reduce stress.
- Do not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without the doctor's advice.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Stomach ulcer: Stomach ulcers, also called gastric ulcers, are sores present in the inner lining of the digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach, or small intestine). It occurs when acid (produced during digestion) in the stomach damages the inner lining. Frequent use of painkillers such as aspirin and an underlying H. pylori infection may cause stomach ulcers. Symptoms include nausea, changes in appetite, bloody or dark stools, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and indigestion.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also referred to as Reflux esophagitis. It occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back to the oesophagus (food pipe). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which tumours form in the pancreas (organ present near the abdomen and produces enzymes for digestion) or duodenum (first section of the small intestine) leads to an increase in the production of stomach acid. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
FAQs
Famotidine belongs to a group of medicines called ‘H2-receptor antagonists that reduce acid production in the stomach. It treats stomach ulcers (gastric and duodenal ulcers), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Famotidine blocks the H2 receptors present on the inner stomach wall and reduces acid production. This aids in the relief of acid indigestion, heartburn and other associated symptoms.
Famotidine is used on a short-term basis in people who cannot take oral medication. Your doctor will decide the dose duration of the treatment with this medicine based on your condition.
Famotidine is used only in patients who are unable to take oral medications or in an emergency clinical situation. It it not advised to take this injection on your own.
Yes, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also referred to as Reflux esophagitis.
