famotidine (oral/injection)

What is the most important information I should know about famotidine?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is famotidine?

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.

Famotidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking famotidine?

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

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

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take famotidine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Famotidine oral is taken by mouth.

Famotidine injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

You may take famotidine oral with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Most ulcers heal within 4 weeks of famotidine treatment, but it may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. Keep using the medication as directed.

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

Throw away any unused famotidine liquid that is older than 30 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Because you will receive famotidine injection in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking famotidine?

Avoid taking other stomach acid reducers unless your doctor has told you to. However, you may take an antacid (such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Milk of Magnesia, Rolaids, or Tums) with famotidine.

What are the possible side effects of famotidine?

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

Some side effects may be more likely in older adults and in people who have severe kidney disease.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness; or
• constipation or diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect famotidine?

Famotidine oral can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking:

• cefditoren;
• dasatinib;
• delavirdine;
• fosamprenavir; or
• tizanidine (if you are taking famotidine liquid).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect famotidine oral or injection, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about famotidine.