Famotidine is an H2 blocker commonly used to treat heartburn, GERD, ulcers, and other digestive conditions. This eMedTV article provides a detailed look at the medication, including how it works, dosing information, and available strengths and forms.
While most people have no difficulties when taking famotidine, side effects are possible. This eMedTV page lists common side effects (like constipation and dizziness), as well as less common but serious side effects to look out for (such as seizures).
What is famotidine used for? As this eMedTV Web page explains, famotidine is used to treat ulcers, GERD, and other conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. This page provides a detailed look at these famotidine uses.
The famotidine dose for treating GERD in adults is 20 mg twice daily. But as this eMedTV page explains, for children ages 1 to 16, the dose for GERD is 0.5 mg per kg (about 0.23 mg per pound) twice daily. This page examines famotidine dosing in detail.
Itraconazole and atazanavir are among the drugs that can potentially interact with famotidine. This eMedTV page explains how drug interactions with famotidine can decrease the absorption of some drugs in your body, perhaps making them less effective.
For people with poor kidney function (including kidney failure), famotidine dosage must be reduced. This eMedTV page describes other precautions and warnings with famotidine, including possible drug interactions and people who should avoid the drug.
During treatment with famotidine, sexual side effects are possible. This eMedTV Web page further explores these sexual side effects (which can include a decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction) and discusses how often they occur.
Based on previous animal studies, famotidine is generally considered safe to take while pregnant. This eMedTV article discusses famotidine and pregnancy in more detail, noting in particular the drug's status as a pregnancy Category B medicine.
Most doctors advise their patients that it is okay to breastfeed while on famotidine. This eMedTV page explores famotidine and breastfeeding in more detail, noting in particular previous studies on the risks of taking this drug while breastfeeding.
A famotidine overdose could potentially cause vomiting, restlessness, and hypotension. This eMedTV page provides more detail about these overdose effects, and also lists some treatment options for a famotidine overdose (including supportive care).
Famotidine alternatives can include other medications, dietary changes, and surgery. This page on the eMedTV Web site offers an in-depth discussion of these alternatives and the situations in which they may be considered.
