Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Histamine is a natural chemical thatstimulates stomach cells to produce acid. Famotidine belongs to a class ofmedications called H2-blockers that inhibits the action of histamine onstomach cells, thus reducing stomach acid production.

PRESCRIPTION: available with or without a prescription

PREPARATIONS: tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg. Suspension: 40 mgper 5 ml teaspoon

STORAGE: Should be stored at room temperature in a tightlyclosed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Famotidine blocks the action of histamine onstomach cells, and reduces stomach acid production. Famotidine is usefulin promoting the healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers, and in reducingulcer pain. Famotidine has been effective in preventing ulcer recurrencewhen given in low doses for prolonged periods of time. In doses higherthan that used in ulcer treatment, famotidine has been helpful in treatingheart burn and in healing ulcer and inflammation of the esophagusresulting from acid reflux (reflux esophagitis).

DOSING: May be taken with or without food..

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Famotidine is generally well tolerated andsafe. Safe use in children has not been established. A beneficial symptomresponse to famotidine does not preclude the presence of stomach cancer.The dose of famotidine is usually reduced in severe kidney failure toavoid excessive build up.

PREGNANCY: Safe use in pregnancy has not been established.

NURSING MOTHERS: The medication probably is secreted into themilk and nursing mothers are generally discouraged from taking this drug.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects are rare. Minor side effects includeconstipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea,and vomiting. Major side effects include agitation, anemia, confusion,depression, easy bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, hair loss, irregular heartbeat, rash, visual changes, and yellowing of the skin oreyes.