Famotidine 20mg Tablets

What are Famotidine tablets?

Famotidine falls under a class of medications known as H2 receptor antagonists. It acts quickly to neutralise stomach acid, reducing the pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating caused by an excess of stomach acid and acid reflux. It is also sometimes prescribed to treat stomach ulcers.

Famotidine tablets are available in both 20mg and 40mg strengths, and may also be used in the treatment of other conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

How does Famotidine treat excess stomach acid?

Histamine is a natural substance that is released in response to various stimuli, such as food or stress. When histamine binds to the H2 receptors in the stomach lining, it stimulates the production of stomach acid. This process doesn’t usually cause any issues, but excessive production of stomach acid can lead to conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.

Famotidine works by blocking the action of histamine on the H2 receptors. By blocking this action, Famotidine reduces the amount of stomach acid produced. This can help to treat acid reflux and reduce the symptoms of heartburn, and peptic ulcers.

How quickly does Famotidine work?

Famotidine tablets get to work within seconds of being swallowed, helping to noticeably relieve symptoms of excessive stomach acid within 15-30 minutes. The effects of just 1 tablet can last for 12 - 24 hours.

Alternatives to Famotidine

At The Independent Pharmacy, we stock a wide range of medications suitable for reducing the symptoms of excess stomach acid and acid reflux.

Ranitidine is the closest alternative to Famotidine, which works in the same way to reduce the production of stomach acid. Other treatment options include:

• Omeprazole
• Lansoprazole
• Gaviscon

Here's a table comparing Famotidine to some of the most popular alternatives:

For more information about alternative acid reflux and heartburn treatments please take a look at our advice page.

Is Famotidine a PPI?

No, famotidine is not a PPI (proton pump inhibitor). Famotidine belongs to a class of medications called H2 blockers (histamine H2-receptor antagonists), which work by reducing the production of stomach acid.

PPIs, on the other hand, work by blocking the proton pumps in the stomach that produce acid. Some examples of PPIs include omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole.

Why take Famotidine at night?

Famotidine is commonly used at night to alleviate nighttime acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, coughing, and chest discomfort. Taking Famotidine before bed can help to reduce stomach acid production while you sleep, promoting restful sleep and reducing the likelihood of any nighttime disturbances.

Can you buy Famotidine over the counter?

No — Famotidine is a prescription-only medication. You can conveniently consult with The Independent Pharmacy to ensure that this treatment is suitable for you. A prescription will then be written and the treatment sent to you, with fast, secure delivery.

Famotidine dosage

Your prescribed dosage of Famotidine will vary depending on the condition you’re treating and its severity.

• For the treatment of heartburn, acid reflux, and other related conditions, the typical adult dose of famotidine is 20 mg taken orally twice a day, or 40 mg taken orally at bedtime.
• For the treatment of peptic ulcers, the typical adult dose is 40 mg taken orally once a day at bedtime or 20 mg taken orally twice a day.
• For the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or other conditions where higher doses may be needed, the dosage may be increased to up to 160 mg per day.

No matter what dose you’re prescribed, always follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Taking too much famotidine or taking it for too long can increase the risk of side effects.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. It is not advisable to suddenly stop taking this medication, especially if you suffer from gastric ulcers.

Famotidine ingredients

The active ingredient is: Famotidine 20 or 40 mg.

The inactive ingredients are: Cellulose, microcrystalline, lactose monohydrate, macrogol 4000, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, sodium starch glycolate, silica, colloidal anhydrous, pregelatinized starch, talc, titanium dioxide (E171).

Famotidine side effects

Like any medication, Famotidine may cause unwanted side effects in some individuals. Although these side effects are typically mild and will often improve on their own, it's important to speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. They can provide advice on how to manage or reduce any side effects, and determine if the medication is still appropriate for you.

The most common side effects include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Flatulence
• Tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite

It's important to be aware of the signs of a potential allergic reaction or severe side effects when taking Famotidine. If you experience any symptoms such as skin rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or blistering, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention.

For a full rundown of all possible Famotidine side effects please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.

Famotidine warnings

Before taking Famotidine it’s important to be aware of the following warnings:

Do not take Famotidine if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients
• You are under the age of 18
• You’re already taking an antacid such as Rennie Deflatine.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Famotidine if:

• There is a chance you have a malignant tumour in your stomach.
• You may have an underlying infection that is causing your symptoms.
• You suffer from kidney problems.
• You are currently taking or have recently stopped taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medication.

Famotidine is known to interact with other medications, including:

• Ketoconazole — used to treat and prevent fungal infections in various parts of the body, including the skin, nails, and internal organs.
• Sucralfate — used to treat and prevent ulcers in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
• Delavirdine — used to treat HIV infection.
• Atazanavir — used to treat HIV infection.
• Gefitinib — used to treat non-small cell lung cancer.
• Dasatinib — used to treat certain types of leukaemia.
• Itraconazole — used to treat and prevent fungal infections.
• Iron supplements — used to treat iron deficiency anaemia.
• Mycophenolate mofetil — used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.
• Procainamide — used to treat abnormal heart rhythms.
• Warfarin — used to prevent blood clots.

Famotidine in pregnancy and breastfeeding

You must speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication if you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding.

• Famotidine Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/11523/pil
• https://patient.info/medicine/famotidine-to-reduce-stomach-acid