IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (fam-OH-tih-dine)
Pepcid Oral Side Effects
Headache, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
- easy bleeding/bruising
- fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
- signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough)
- mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, depression, hallucinations)
- seizure
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Pepcid Oral Precautions
Before taking famotidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 receptor antagonists (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- immune system problems
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)
- other stomach problems (e.g., tumors)
Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have:
- heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness
- chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing)
- pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders
- unexplained weight loss
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion and dizziness.
Famotidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Copyright 2007 First DataBank, Inc.
