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Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach or intestines. It may be used to prevent intestinal ulcers from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems caused by too much acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD).This form of famotidine is given by vein and is used for short-term treatment of these conditions when you cannot take the medication by mouth. Your doctor should switch you to taking this medication by mouth when possible.Famotidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This helps heal and prevent ulcers and improves symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.
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| Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Famotidine
Uses
Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach or intestines. It may be used to prevent intestinal ulcers from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems caused by too much acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD).This form of famotidine is given by vein and is used for short-term treatment of these conditions when you cannot take the medication by mouth. Your doctor should switch you to taking this medication by mouth when possible.Famotidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This helps heal and prevent ulcers and improves symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.
Notes
- Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (e.g., avoiding caffeine, certain spices) may increase the effectiveness of this medication.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., endoscopy, kidney function tests) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C), or freeze as directed.
- If frozen, allow to thaw as directed before use.Some mixed solutions of famotidine should be refrigerated and discarded 48 hours after preparation.
- Consult your pharmacist for details.
How
To Use - This medication is injected into a vein by a health care professional.
- Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids.
- If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol.
- Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
- In children, dosage may also be based on body weight.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
Side
Effects - Headache, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness and pain/redness at the injection site 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 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 bruising/bleeding, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), mental/mood changes (e.g., restlessness, confusion, depression, hallucinations), persistent nausea/vomiting, seizure, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using famotidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other acid reducers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine); or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung problems (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; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if more than 100 milligrams daily is given to an infant during the first months of life.
- The risk is greater with low birth weight infants.
- Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat.
- Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur.
- If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating newborns.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.Famotidine passes into breast milk.
- Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: atazanavir, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole).Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) that can cause stomach irritation/ulcers.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of these products.
- Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 mg per day), should be continued.
- Consult your doctor for more details.This medication and other H2 blockers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine) are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.
- Do not take them at the same time.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement 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. |
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