Famotidine to reduce stomach acid

What is famotidine?

Famotidine belongs to a group of medicines that reduce the amount of acid produced by the cells in the lining of the stomach. They are called 'histamine H2-receptor antagonists', but are commonly also called H2 blockers.

Famotidine can be helpful in the treatment of conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach. These conditions include stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers), ulcers of the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers), acid reflux or heartburn (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease). Although famotidine can be helpful in the treatment of these conditions, in practice other medicines are usually tried first.

Acid is produced naturally in your stomach to help to digest food. Excessive amounts of acid can irritate the lining of your stomach, causing inflammation, ulcers and other conditions. Famotidine works by reducing the amount of acid produced by your stomach. This helps to relieve symptoms and assist the healing process where damage has already occurred.

Before taking famotidine

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start taking famotidine it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any of the following symptoms: difficulty swallowing, loss of blood, weight loss, or if you are being sick.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take famotidine?

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about famotidine and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take famotidine exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are two different strengths of tablet available - 20 mg and 40 mg. You may be prescribed famotidine to take twice a day, in the morning and evening, or just once daily in the evening. Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you and the directions will be on the label of the pack to remind you about what was said to you.

• You can take famotidine tablets before or after meals.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, you can generally take it when you remember. However, if it is nearly time to take your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• A course of treatment can vary in length depending upon the reason why you are taking famotidine. You could be asked to take the tablets for a few weeks or for several months. Keep any appointments that you have booked with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.

• Some people say that certain foods make their symptoms worse. Foods and drinks that have been suspected of this include peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, hot drinks, coffee and alcoholic drinks. If it seems that a food is aggravating your symptoms, try avoiding it for a while to see if your symptoms improve. Also, try avoiding eating large meals, as these can make your symptoms worse too.

• If you are overweight, this puts extra pressure on your stomach and encourages the symptoms of acid reflux. Losing some weight and eating a healthy balanced diet may help you.

• Smoking increases the amount of stomach acid and may make your symptoms worse. If you are a smoker, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about how to quit.

• If you buy any medicines 'over the counter', always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside your other medicines.

Can famotidine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with famotidine, although these are generally mild and do not last long. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to famotidine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store famotidine?

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines