Famotidine

What is Famotidine?

Famotidine works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach, which is why it can be used to treat and prevent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition where some of the stomach acid travels back into the esophagus (food pipe), resulting in heartburn, and sometimes, possible damage to tissues in the food pipe.

It has the same active ingredient as Pepcid and Zantac 360, famotidine, and works in the same way, but it’s typically more affordable.

What is Famotidine used for?

Apart from GERD, prescription-strength famotidine is used to treat other conditions that involve excessive acid production, like:

• ulcers, which are sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine; and:
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition where cancerous growths cause the stomach to produce too much acid.

Over-the-counter famotidine is used to relieve and prevent heartburn triggered by drinking and eating certain drinks or foods.

Besides taking famotidine or other medications for heartburn, you can also follow these tips:

• try wearing loose clothing that applies less pressure on your belly;
• avoid lying down or bending over right after eating;
• avoid eating before going to bed;
• try raising the head of your bed;
• avoid spicy, fatty or fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate;
• avoid fruits like oranges and grapefruit, and vegetables like onions and tomatoes that can cause your stomach to make more acid;
• avoid large meals and try eating at a slower pace;
• quit smoking; and:
• try losing weight if you’re dealing with overweight or obesity.

How does Famotidine work?

In short, famotidine reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.

It’s part of a class of medications called H2-blockers, which work by blocking histamine, a chemical that usually signals your stomach cells to release acid.^[1]

By blocking histamine from binding to certain receptors in the stomach, famotidine prevents the release of excess acid, helping to relieve conditions caused by too much acid production.

What doses of Famotidine are there?

Prescription famotidine is available as a tablet and in powder for suspension form, and is taken by mouth. The tablets come in 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg doses and are typically taken once daily at bedtime or up to four times a day, depending on the condition being treated. It also comes as an injection, but this is usually given in hospitals.

Over-the-counter famotidine is available as 10mg and 20mg tablets. It’s usually taken once or twice a day to help relieve or prevent heartburn.

How to take Famotidine

Take one Famotidine tablet with a full glass of water 15 minutes to one hour before eating or drinking anything that may trigger symptoms. Follow the instructions on your prescription or the package label carefully.

For GERD, your doctor may suggest taking it twice a day, once in the morning and once at bedtime.

How long does it take Famotidine to work?

Famotidine starts working within an hour after you take it, and becomes fully effective after one to three hours.^[1] A single dose of famotidine typically provides relief for about 10 to 12 hours.^[2]

What’s the best time to take Famotidine?

If you’re taking Famotidine once a day, it’s usually best to take it 15 minutes to an hour before your evening meal. This is because acid reflux tends to be worse at night—studies show that up to 79% of people with GERD experience symptoms during this time.^[3] Taking Famotidine before dinner can help reduce acid production and prevent discomfort while you sleep.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Famotidine?

Don’t take more Famotidine tablets than you’re prescribed, or take them for longer than your doctor tells you to. If your symptoms last longer than six weeks, it’s best to get in touch with your doctor.

If you miss a dose of Famotidine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed one and continue taking it as normal. Don’t take a double dose to make up for it.