Famotidine

Famotidine is a drug to treat conditions caused by excess stomach acid production, such as acid reflux disease (GERD) and stomach ulcers.

Famotidine works by inhibiting histamine substances on H2 receptors in the stomach so that stomach acid production can be reduced. This will relieve complaints due to excess stomach acid, such as bloating , nausea, heartburn, or heartburn .

With reduced stomach acid, famotidine can help repair damage to the stomach wall. Hence, it is also used in the treatment of stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers.

Famotidine trademarks: Amocid, Corocyd, Denufam, Famocid, Famotidine, Hufatidine, Lexmodine, Magstop, Neosanmag, Neosanmag Fast, Polysilane Max, Pratifar, Promag Double Action, Renapepsa, Starmag Double Impact, Tismafam, Tomaag Double Action, Ulcerid, Ulmo

What is Famotidine

Precautions Before Taking Famotidine

Famotidine should not be taken carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before taking famotidine:

• Do not take famotidine if you are allergic to it or to other H2 antagonists, such as cimetidine.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from phenylketonuria, difficulty swallowing, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach cancer , immune system disorders, heart rhythm disturbances or EKG abnormalities , and respiratory disorders, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) ).
• Tell your doctor if you or your family have a history of sudden cardiac arrest at a young age.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain drugs, supplements or herbal products, to avoid interactions between drugs.
• See your doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose, after taking famotidine.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Famotidine

Famotidine is used to treat diseases caused by excess stomach acid. The following is the dose of famotidine based on the patient's condition and age:

Condition: Stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer

• Adult: 40 mg once daily at bedtime for 4–8 wk. The maintenance dose is 20 mg once daily at bedtime.
• Children aged 1–16 years : 0.5 mg/kg, once a day before going to bed or divided into 2 doses. Dosage can be increased to 40 mg per day.

Condition: Excessive stomach acid production

• Adult: Initially 20 mg every 6 hours. Dosage may be increased up to 800 mg per day, according to the patient's condition and response to treatment.

Condition: Heartburn without ulcer

• Adult: 10–20 mg, 2 times daily.

Condition: GERD or gastric acid disease

• Adult: 20 mg, twice daily, for 6–12 wk. Dosage can be increased up to 40 mg. The maintenance dose is 20 mg twice daily.
• Infants aged <3 months: 0.5 mg/kg, 1 time per day.
• Infants aged 3–12 months: 0.5 mg/kg, 2 times a day.
• Children aged 1–16 years: 0.5 mg/kg, 2 times a day. Dosage can be increased up to 40 mg, 2 times a day.

How to Take Famotidine Correctly

Always read the instructions on the packaging and follow your doctor 's instructions before taking famotidine. The doctor will determine the dosage according to the condition, age and weight of the patient.

Swallow this medication whole with water after or before eating, except for famotidine in the chewable tablet form which needs to be crushed before swallowing.

Take famotidine at the same time every day for maximum benefit. If you forget to take famotidine, take this drug immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.

Store famotidine at room temperature, in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, and keep the drug out of reach of children.

Famotidine Interactions with Other Drugs

The use of famotidine with other drugs can cause several interaction effects, including:

• Decreased effectiveness of famotidine when used with antacid drugs
• Decreased levels and effectiveness of atazanavir, dapsone , cefditoren , or ketoconazole
• Increased risk of famotidine side effects when used with probenecid

Famotidine Side Effects and Dangers

There are several side effects that can occur after consuming famotidine, namely:

• Headache
• Constipation or even diarrhea
• Discomfort in the stomach
• Dry mouth
• Dizzy

Check with your doctor if these side effects do not improve or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• daze
• Hallucinations
• Easily irritated or agitated
• No energy
• Seizure
• Rapid heartbeat or sudden dizziness, as if you were about to pass out
• Muscle pain or weakness in the muscles, especially if accompanied by fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine