Generic name: famotidine [ fam-OH-ti-deen ]
Brand names: Pepcid, Zantac 360
Drug class:H2 antagonists
What is famotidine?
Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.
Famotidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Famotidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
The Zantac 360 brand of this medicine does not contain ranitidine, a medicine that was withdrawn from market in the United States.
Warnings
Before taking famotidine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a history of Long QT syndrome, stomach cancer or other problems, or asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems.
Famotidine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the jaw, arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, anxiety, light-headedness and a general ill feeling.Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or similar medicines such as ranitidine (Zantac),
