Famotidine is a drug that is used to treat stomach ulcers, acid reflux disease or GERD, or relieve heartburn heartburn, namely a burning sensation in the chest due to rising stomach acid. In addition, this drug is also used in the treatment of gastric ulcersand duodenal ulcer.
Famotidine works by blocking histamine substances at H2 receptors in the stomach, so Famotidine can be found in single dosage forms or in combination with antacid drugs.
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
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | H-2 or antagonists histamine 2 blocker |
| Benefit | Reduces stomach acid production |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Famotidine for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Famotidine may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Chewable tablets, caplets |
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 have a history of allergies to this drug or to other H2 antagonist drugs, such as cimetidine.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, stomach cancer, a heart rhythm disorder, such as QT prolongation, or a respiratory disorder, such as asthma.
- Do not use this medication long term without consulting your doctor first. Long-term use of famotidine, especially more than 2 years, can cause impaired absorption of vitamin B12.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking famotidine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Famotidine
Famotidine is used to treat diseases caused by excess stomach acid. The following is the dosage of famotidine based on the patient's condition and age:
Condition: Gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer
- Mature: 40 mg, once daily at bedtime, or 20 mg, twice daily, for 4–8 weeks. The maintenance dose is 20 mg, once a day at bedtime.
- Children age 1–16 years: 0.5 mg/kgBW, 1 time a day before bed, or divided into 2 consumption schedules. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 40 mg per day.
Condition:stomachache or heartburn
- Mature: 10–20 mg, 2 times a day, can be taken 15–60 minutes before consuming foods that cause heartburn.
- Children age >12 years old: 10–20 mg, 2 times a day, can be taken 15–60 minutes before consuming foods that cause heartburn.
Condition: GERD or acid reflux disease
- Mature: 20 mg, 2 times daily, for 6–12 weeks. The dose can be increased up to 40 mg. The maintenance dose is 20 mg, 2 times daily.
- Baby<3 months old: 0.5 mg/kg body weight, once a day.
- baby age3–12 months: 0.5 mg/kg body weight, 2 times a day.
- Children age 1–16 years: 0.5 mg/kg body weight, 2 times a day. The dose can be increased up to 40 mg, 2 times a day.
How to Take Famotidine Correctly
Always follow your doctor's instructions and read the instructions on the famotidine package before taking it. The doctor will determine the dose according to the patient's condition, age, weight, and body response to the drug.
Consumption of famotidine can be done after or before meals. Swallow the tablet whole with water, unless it is a chewable tablet. If you are taking chewable tablets, chew the tablets until they are crushed before swallowing.
To prevent stomach ulcers and heartburn, take famotidine 15-60 minutes before eating foods that can interfere with digestion, such as foods that contain artificial sweeteners or spicy foods.
Take famotidine at the same time every day for maximum benefit. If you forget to take this medicine, it is advisable to do it as soon as you remember it, if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store famotidine at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from sunlight
Famotidine Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of famotidine together with other drugs can cause several interactions, including:
- Decreased effectiveness of famotidine when used with antacid drugs
- Decreased blood levels and concentrations of atazanavir, dapsone, digoxin, cefditoren, cefdinir, cefuroxime, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or iron
- Increased absorption of dasatinib
- Decreased ability of the kidneys to remove metabolic wastes of famotidine when used with probenecid
Famotidine Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after taking famotidine, namely:
- Headache
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Discomfort in the stomach
- Dizzy
- dry mouth
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't get better or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a medication or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Worried
- Loss of appetite
- Faint
- Seizures
- Easy bruising or bleeding