Famotidine

Generic name: famotidine
Brand names: Pepcid, Zantac 360
Drug class: H2 antagonists

Dosage form: Tablet
Root of administration: Oral
Dose: 10, 20, 40 mg
Mechanism of action: Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.
Drug usage cases: Famotidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Famotidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Drug contraindications: You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or similar medicines such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), or nizatidine (Axid).

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• cancer stomach
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

Side effects: Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, hallucinations, agitation, lack of energy
• a seizure
• fast or pounding heartbeats, sudden dizziness (like you might pass out)
• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Warnings: Before taking famotidine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a history of Long QT syndrome, stomach cancer or other problems, or asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems.

Famotidine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Ask a doctor before using famotidine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.