Usage And Safety
Dosage
Adults : Benign gastric and duodenal ulcer : 40mg once daily at night for 4-8wk . Prophylaxis of duodenal ulcer relapse : 20mg once daily at night . Zollinger-Ellison syndrome : Initially 20mg every 6 hr , adjust as necessary , max 800mg daily . Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease : 20mg twice daily 6-12 wk ; if also erosion or ulceration , 40mg twice daily for 6-12 wk . Prophylaxis 20mg twice daily . Children : Peptic ulcer : 1-16yr : 0.5mg/kg/day at bedtime or in divided doses . Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease : Less than 3 mnth : 0.5mg/kg once daily ; 3-12mnth : 0.5mg/kg twice daily ; 1-16yr : 1 mg/kg divided in two doses ( max 40mg twice daily ) . OR As directed by your physician .
Side Effects
Headache • Dizziness • Diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, anorexia, dry mouth • Fever, fatigue • Irregular or rapid heart beat, palpitations • Muscle pain, cramps, painful joints • Hallucinations, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, inability to sleep, sleeplessness, tingling in the fingers or toes, decreased sex drive, fits • Breathing difficulties caused by narrowing of the airways • Ringing in the ears • Taste disorders
Drug Interactions
Ketoconazole , itraconazole , Probenecid , sucralfate , warfarin, theophylline, phenytoin, diazepam, propranolol, aminopyrine and antipyrine. Indocyanine , atazanavir.
Indication
They are used for: • Treat stomach and duodenal ulcer disease (also known as peptic ulcer) and stop ulcers coming back. • Treat Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (rare condition caused by too much acid production in the stomach).
When not to Use
Do not take Famotidine if: • You have an allergy to famotidine or to any of the ingredients listed. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include, shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue or face, skin rash and itchiness.
Warnings
Warning 1
Do not stop taking your medicine because you are feeling better, unless advised to do so by your doctor.
Warning 2
Since cross sensitivity has been observed among H2-receptor antagonists, famotidine should not be administered to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other drugs in this class.
Warning 3
Since famotidine is secreted mainly via the kidneys, caution should be exercised when treating patients with renal insufficiency. A reduction in the daily dose should be considered if creatinine clearance falls below 10 ml/min .
