Other Brands/Names

Famocid 20, Famocid 40, Lexmodine, Ulcerid 20, Ulcerid 40, Renapepsa 20, Hufatidine 40, Corocyd, Ulmo 20, Ulmo 40, Pratifar 40, Famotidine, Amocid, Polysilane Max, Tomaag Double Action, Starmag Double Impact.

How It Works

Famotidine lowers stomach acid by blocking the action of histamine on receptors in the cells lining the stomach. By decreasing acid output, it helps relieve and control gastrointestinal conditions that are driven by excess gastric acid.

Indications

Used for acid-related conditions of the digestive tract, including ulcers or sores in the stomach and duodenum, and reflux of stomach acid into the upper gastrointestinal tract known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Contraindication

History of hypersensitivity or allergy to famotidine or any component of the product, which may present as hives, eyelid swelling, or similar reactions.

Side Effects

• Anxiety
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Types

• Film-coated tablets 20 mg, 40 mg
• Caplets 40 mg
• Chewable tablets (this product is a restricted over-the-counter medicine)

Dosage

To reduce elevated gastric acid levels

Adult dose: 20 mg every 6 hours; if needed, the total daily amount may be increased up to a maximum of 800 mg.

To treat upper gastrointestinal acid reflux disease (GERD)

Adult dose:

• 20 mg twice daily for 6–12 weeks; or
• 40 mg twice daily if there is esophageal erosion, followed by a maintenance dose of 20 mg twice daily.

Pediatric dose (syrup):

• Age under 3 months: 0.5 mg/kgBW once daily
• Age 3 months to under 1 year: 0.5 mg/kgBW twice daily
• Age 1–16 years: 0.5 mg/kgBW twice daily, up to 40 mg twice daily

To treat gastric and duodenal ulcers

Adult dose:

• 40 mg once nightly for 4–8 weeks, then a maintenance dose of 20 mg once nightly.

Pediatric dose (syrup): 

• Age 1–16 years: initial dose 0.5 mg/kgBW once nightly or in divided doses; the dose may be increased up to 40 mg daily.

Safety

Pregnancy:

FDA Category B. Animal studies have not demonstrated fetal harm, and adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women are not available. Use may be considered when clearly needed and is generally regarded as acceptable during pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

Antifungal medicines

When taken with antifungals such as ketoconazole or itraconazole, famotidine can raise gastric pH and lower the absorption and blood levels of these antifungal drugs, potentially reducing their benefit.

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