What is this medicine?
FAMOTIDINE (fa MOE ti deen) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can also relieve heartburn from acid reflux.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Famotidine 20MG Tablets | IVAX PHARMACEUTICALS INC. | 30/$19.99 or 90/$45.98 |
| Famotidine 40MG Tablets | TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA | 90/$18.01 or 180/$21.98 |
| Pepcid 20MG Tablets | MERCK HUMAN HEALTH | 30/$64.13 or 90/$171.03 |
| Pepcid 40MG/5ML Suspension | SALIX PHARMACEUTICALS INC. | 50/$123.88 or 150/$371.64 |
| Pepcid 40MG Tablets | MERCK HUMAN HEALTH | 30/$113.29 or 90/$320.65 |
| Pepcid AC 10MG Tablets | J & J MERCK | 6/$8.99 or 18/$10.99 |
| Pepcid AC 10MG Tablets | J & J MERCK | 12/$7.99 or 36/$14.83 |
| Pepcid AC 10MG Tablets | J & J MERCK | 18/$7.99 or 54/$18.84 |
| Pepcid AC 10MG Tablets | J & J MERCK | 30/$9.37 or 90/$28.12 |
| SM Acid Reducer 10MG Tablets | MCKESSON VALU-RITE | 30/$8.99 or 90/$22.47 |
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- agitation, nervousness
- confusion
- hallucinations
- skin rash, itching
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you only take this medicine once a day, take it at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- delavirdine
- itraconazole
- ketoconazole
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to famotidine, any ingredient in the formulation, or to other histamine H2 antagonists (i.e., cimetidine, nizatidine, ranitidine).
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better or if it gets worse. Finish the full course of tablets prescribed, even if you feel better.
Do not take with aspirin, ibuprofen or other antiinflammatory medicines. These can make your condition worse.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These cause irritation in your stomach and can increase the time it will take for ulcers to heal.
If you need to take an antacid, you should take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after this medicine. This medicine will not be as effective if taken at the same time as an antacid.
If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- kidney or liver disease
- trouble swallowing
- an unusual or allergic reaction to famotidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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