What Is Famotidine?

Famotidine is a drug that’s primarily used to target stomach ulcers and other ulcers inside the digestive system. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 blockers (histamine-2 blockers) that target parts of the stomach producing stomach acid. 

This drug is available under numerous brand names, though the most common one is Pepcid. You may also find it under the names Fluxid or Dyspep. 

Typically, when handed out as a prescription, Famotidine is available in tablet form. If the tablets do not have the required efficacy, some patients may require an injectable solution instead. 

How Does Famotidine Work?

As an H2 blocker, Famotidine directly targets the cells in the stomach that produce stomach acid. It blocks these cells from producing excess acid, which often causes a range of stomach problems. 

Stomach acid is naturally occurring and helps to break down food after it is ingested. However, too much stomach acid can be a negative thing as it irritates the stomach lining and can flow back up the digestive tract, causing issues such as heartburn or stomach pain. 

Famotidine does not prevent stomach acid secretion but will reduce how much is produced.  

What Is Famotidine Used For?

This drug can be used to treat a range of conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, and throat, including: 

• GERD
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Erosive esophagitis

Moreover, Famotidine is capable of treating common symptoms caused by excess stomach acid, such as: 

• A constant sore throat
• A chronic cough
• Stomach pain
• Acid reflux
• Issues swallowing

Using Famotidine to control stomach acid levels is essential to reduce the chances of ulcers forming in the digestive system. There are two types of ulcers that can form: gastric ulcers in the stomach, and duodenal ulcers in the small intestine. While ulcers are largely formed by the presence of bacteria or an overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) excess stomach acid can further aggravate ulcers and make them worse.

Consequently, doctors will often prescribe Famotidine as a treatment for stomach ulcers to help them naturally recover quickly. Reducing stomach acid will prevent the ulcers from becoming overly irritated and more painful. 

What Are the Side Effects of Famotidine?

Famotidine is a common drug used for lots of common digestive disorders. As a consequence, it will have a variety of potential side effects that vary in severity. 

The most common – and least severe – side effects of Famotidine include: 

• Mild headaches
• Constipation 
• Diarrhea
• Dizzy spells

If you experience these side effects after taking Famotidine, there is usually nothing to worry about. They should fade within a few hours of taking, particularly if this is your first time using the drug. If they persist for more than a few weeks and get progressively worse, contact a medical professional immediately. 

This medication may also produce more alarming side effects. If you experience any of the following, stop taking Famotidine and contact your doctor right away: 

• Excessive dizziness
• Fainting
• Heart irregularities
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle pain
• Fever
• Anxiety/depression
• Insomnia
• Seizures
• Decreased sex drive
• Chronic stomach pain
• A reduction in appetite
• A sudden feeling of weakness
• Skin yellowing
• Mouth ulcers

These side effects are not common and usually indicate a problematic reaction to the medication. Be sure to consult with a doctor before taking Famotidine to ensure you are not taking other drugs that can negatively interact with this one, or that you don’t have allergies that can cause complications. 

How to Take Famotidine?

Your Famotidine prescription will come as a tablet when obtained from Dr. House. This is the easiest way to take this medication as it can be consumed with a glass of water. 

It is available in different dosages, but the exact dosage and frequency with which you take this medication depends on your particular medical condition. Your doctor will clearly outline how often to take Famotidine when they prescribe the drug to you. It will also come with an information sheet that explains dosages and what you can/can’t take alongside this medication. 

Typically, it is best to take Famotidine an hour before eating foods that trigger heartburn or indigestion. You can also take it before bedtime to calm any gastrointestinal symptoms that may keep you up at night. 

Continue taking Famotidine as prescribed by the doctor. If your symptoms fail to improve – or get worse – after taking this medication for over a week, contact your doctor right away. You may need to reduce or increase your dose to see the desired effects. If you continue to see no results, your doctor will prescribe alternative treatments for your specific condition.