Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer For Medicare For Providers For Brokers For Employers Español For Individuals & Families: For Individuals & Families Medical Dental Other Supplemental Explore coverage through work How to Buy Health Insurance Types of Dental Insurance Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment See all topics Shop for Medicare plans Member Guide Find a Doctor Log in to myCigna
Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library famotidine (oral/injection)

famotidine (oral/injection)

Pronunciation: fam OH ti deen

Brand: Heartburn Relief, Leader Acid Reducer, Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid AC Maximum Strength, Zantac 360

Famotidine

slide 1 of 22, Famotidine,

10 mg, round, orange, imprinted with TEVA, 2662

Image of Famotidine
slide 1 of 22

Famotidine

slide 2 of 22, Famotidine,

20 mg, round, beige, imprinted with TEVA, 5728

Image of Famotidine
slide 2 of 22

Famotidine

slide 3 of 22, Famotidine,

40 mg, round, tan, imprinted with TEVA, 5729

Image of Famotidine
slide 3 of 22

Famotidine

slide 4 of 22, Famotidine,

20 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with M F1

Image of Famotidine
slide 4 of 22

Famotidine

slide 5 of 22, Famotidine,

40 mg, round, green, imprinted with M F2

Image of Famotidine
slide 5 of 22

Heartburn Relief

slide 6 of 22, Heartburn Relief,

20 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with L194

Image of Heartburn Relief
slide 6 of 22

Famotidine

slide 7 of 22, Famotidine,

20 mg, round, white, imprinted with CTI 121

Image of Famotidine
slide 7 of 22

Famotidine

slide 8 of 22, Famotidine,

40 mg, round, tan, imprinted with TEVA, 5729

Image of Famotidine
slide 8 of 22

Famotidine

slide 9 of 22, Famotidine,

20 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with M F1

Image of Famotidine
slide 9 of 22

Famotidine

slide 10 of 22, Famotidine,

20 mg, round, white, imprinted with CTI 121

Image of Famotidine
slide 10 of 22

Famotidine

slide 11 of 22, Famotidine,

40 mg, round, white, imprinted with CTI 122

Image of Famotidine
slide 11 of 22

Famotidine

slide 12 of 22, Famotidine,

20 mg, round, beige, imprinted with W 936

Image of Famotidine
slide 12 of 22

Famotidine

slide 13 of 22, Famotidine,

40 mg, round, white, imprinted with W 937

Image of Famotidine
slide 13 of 22

Pepcid AC Maximum Strength

slide 14 of 22, Pepcid AC Maximum Strength,

20 mg, white, imprinted with PAC 20

Image of Pepcid AC Maximum Strength
slide 14 of 22

Famotidine

slide 15 of 22, Famotidine,

20 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with C 119

Image of Famotidine
slide 15 of 22

Famotidine

slide 16 of 22, Famotidine,

20 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with C 119

Image of Famotidine
slide 16 of 22

Famotidine

slide 17 of 22, Famotidine,

20 mg, round, beige, imprinted with 93, 896

Image of Famotidine
slide 17 of 22

Famotidine

slide 18 of 22, Famotidine,

20 mg, round, white, imprinted with LI94

Image of Famotidine
slide 18 of 22

Famotidine

slide 19 of 22, Famotidine,

40 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with C 120

Image of Famotidine
slide 19 of 22

Famotidine

slide 20 of 22, Famotidine,

40 mg, round, beige, imprinted with 93, 897

Image of Famotidine
slide 20 of 22

Pepcid

slide 21 of 22, Pepcid,

20 mg, square, peach, imprinted with PEPCID, MSD 963

Image of Pepcid
slide 21 of 22

Pepcid

slide 22 of 22, Pepcid,

40 mg, square, orange, imprinted with PEPCID, MSD 964

Image of Pepcid
slide 22 of 22
What is the most important information I should know about famotidine?

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

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.

What is famotidine?

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.

The Zantac 360 brand of this medicine does not contain ranitidine, a medicine that was withdrawn from market in the United States.

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

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

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

Heartburn can feel like a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder.

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

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?

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 in a vein if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

You may take famotidine oral with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a 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.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with famotidine does not improve, or if it gets worse while using famotidine.

Your treatment may also include changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking famotidine?

What should I avoid while taking famotidine?

Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of damage to your stomach.

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?

What are the possible side effects of famotidine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using famotidine 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); 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?

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, 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?

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about famotidine.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>

Page Footer

I want to...

Get an ID card File a claim View my claims and EOBs Check coverage under my plan See prescription drug list Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility Find a form Find 1095-B tax form information View the Cigna Glossary Contact Cigna

Audiences

Individuals and Families Medicare Employers Brokers Providers

Secure Member Sites

myCigna member portal Health Care Provider portal Cigna for Employers Client Resource Portal Cigna for Brokers

The Cigna Group Information

About The Cigna Group Company Profile Careers Newsroom Investors Suppliers The Cigna Group Third Party Administrators International Evernorth

 Cigna. All rights reserved.

Privacy Legal Product Disclosures Cigna Company Names Customer Rights Accessibility Non-Discrimination Notice Language Assistance [PDF] Report Fraud Sitemap Cookie Settings

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details