Famotidine is a medication that works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces stomach acid production and prevents heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-related stomach conditions.
Quick Facts About Famotidine
Your stomach produces powerful hydrochloric acid (HCL) which is used to help digest the food you eat. However, it continuously produces acid, even when you aren't eating. Your stomach's acid starts to flow just by thinking about, seeing, or smelling food.
Certain edibles like spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol can increase the level of production of acid in the stomach. These triggers also weaken the muscles that keep acid from flowing back up your oesophagus.
Most of us are familiar with this painful, burning sensation known as heartburn or acid reflux. When this unpleasant sensation occurs, the drug can be used to relieve you of the symptoms.
The drug is generally safe and effective. However, like all medications, it has potential side effects. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know, including its uses, side effects, dosage, and more.
Brand name?
It is a prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication that belongs to a class of drugs called histamine-2 blockers or H2 blocker for short. Histamine-2 blockers work by reducing the amount of hydrochloric acid your stomach produces.
The FDA first approved famotidine under the brand name Pepcid® in 1985. But today, is now available under different brand names, including Pepcid AC®, Zantac 360®, Act®, Dyspep HB® and Fluxid®.
Pepcid AC® (brand name) is a safe and effective medication used for treating those living with stomach-related conditions like chronic heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), ulcers, and more.
However, as with all medications, it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it to make sure it is the right medication for you.
What Is Used For?
It is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats rare conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Pepcid® (brand name) also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn in both children and adults by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.
Is available in both oral and intravenous formulations and is used as both a prescription and over-the-counter medication.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Pepcid AC® (brand name) which is available as a tablet or an oral suspension (liquid), for both adults and children who have gastric or duodenal ulcers, GERD, or erosive esophagitis and weighing 40kg (88lbs) or more is 40 mg per day.
For the treatment of some gastrointestinal disorders in adults, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, higher doses are used. If you want to administer this medication to a child who weighs less than 40 kg (88 pounds), talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Famotidine: Side Effects
The most common side effects include;
- -Headaches
- -Dizziness
- -Drowsiness
- -Fatigue.
These side effects usually go away after a few days of taking the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, talk to your doctor.
Other potential side effects of the drug include;
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Bloating or gas
- Dry mouth
Why Take Famotidine At Night?
The drug is typically taken at night because it is most effective when taken before bedtime, since this is when the production of stomach acid is at its peak.
By taking famotidine in the evening or at night, you may be able to lessen the signs and symptoms of acid-related illnesses like heartburn and stomach ulcers as well as stop the growth of new ulcers.
The medication should generally be taken every day at the same time, and taking it at night can support this recommendation.
Of course, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions when taking the medication since the precise dosage guidelines may change depending on your unique needs and circumstances. Taking one or two doses of famotidine per day are typical.
Who Should Not Take The Drug?
There are some people who should not take the medication. These include:
-People with kidney problems: It can make kidney problems worse. If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor before taking Pepcid® (brand name).
-People with liver problems: It can make liver problems worse. If you have liver problems, talk to your doctor before taking Pepcid AC® (brand name).
-People who are allergic to the drug or other similar medications: If you are allergic to Zantac 360® (brand name) or other similar medications, you should not take the drug. Talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.
Does The Drug Causes Cancer?
There is no evidence to suggest that famotidine, a medication used to treat conditions such as stomach ulcers and acid reflux, can cause cancer. In fact, Zantac 360® (brand name) is commonly prescribed to help prevent stomach ulcers caused by certain medications that are known to increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
If you have concerns about the potential risks and side effects of the drug, you should talk to your doctor. They can provide you with more information and advice.
Is It Safe For Pregnant Or Breastfeeding Mothers?
It is generally recommended to avoid taking any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless it is absolutely necessary and has been specifically approved by your doctor.
The drug is known to be safe to use when prescribed by a doctor to treat heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms. Famotidine can pass from a mother to her baby through breast milk, but since the baby only consumes 2% of what is in the breast milk, this is less than the dosage that is typically given to infants with acid reflux.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and need to take a medication for heartburn or acid reflux, you should talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking the drug or any other medication. They can help you make an informed decision about what is best for you and your baby.
Key Takeaway
Is used to treat conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers. It is available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms.
The drug works by reducing the amount of acid that is produced by the stomach. This can help to relieve symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
If you are considering taking the drug, it is important to speak with your doctor first to ensure that it is safe for you.