Famotidine tablets or gelcaps

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.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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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

How should I use this medicine?

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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.

What if I miss a dose?

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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.

What may interact with this medicine?

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-delavirdine
-itraconazole
-ketoconazole

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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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

Where should I keep my medicine?

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Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.

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FIRST Trimester

Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

SECOND Trimester

Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

THIRD Trimester

Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Lactation

Compatible - This drug is generally safe to take by nursing mothers.