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Famotidine Side Effects

Some of the most common famotidine side effects include headaches, dizziness, and diarrhea. However, most people tolerate the drug without problems. Uncommon side effects of famotidine can include muscle pain and cramps, fatigue, and a fever. There are also a number of potentially serious side effects of famotidine to be aware of, such as seizures, arrhythmias, and signs of an allergic reaction.

 

An Introduction to Famotidine Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with famotidine (Pepcid®). However, not everyone who takes this drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate famotidine quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with famotidine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of famotidine side effects with you.)
  

Common Famotidine Side Effects

Famotidine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials.
 In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
Based on these studies, the most common side effects of famotidine include:
 
In studies of famotidine for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants less than one year old, agitation was reported in 5 out of 35 infants given the drug (about 14 percent).
 
(Famotidine Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;