Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on April 18, 2025
Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request an Online Prescription
Famotidine is a medication used to treat various health conditions caused by excess stomach acid. This includes stomach ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Over-the-counter famotidine is used to prevent heartburn.
Prescription-strength famotidine is used to treat various conditions caused by an excess of stomach acid, such as:
Gastric Ulcers: Gastric ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach.
Duodenal Ulcers: Duodenal ulcers are ulcers that develop in the first part of the small intestine.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid flows into the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn and injury to the esophagus.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Zollinger-Ellison is a rare condition characterized by tumors in the pancreas or small intestine, causing the stomach to make too much acid.
Over-the-counter famotidine is used to prevent heartburn. Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Many people experience heartburn as a result of eating certain foods (like spicy foods) or overeating.
Famotidine belongs to a class of medications known as H2 receptor antagonists. These drugs work by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which are responsible for stimulating acid production. By reducing the action of histamine, famotidine decreases the amount of stomach acid produced, which helps ulcers and damaged tissue heal.
Famotidine is available as an oral tablet, a chewable tablet, and oral suspension.
The dosage and frequency of use depend on the condition being treated, its severity, and how you respond to the medication.
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and schedule. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency of use without consulting your provider.
Famotidine is used to treat conditions such as heartburn, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The effects can be noticeable within a few hours, but full relief from symptoms may take several days.
Continue using famotidine as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Regular use according to your prescription is crucial for the management of symptoms.
While famotidine is primarily used for treating acid reflux, ulcers, and GERD, healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for other conditions.
Discuss any alternative uses of famotidine with your healthcare provider.
Famotidine is available in the following dosage forms:
Famotidine is available over-the-counter and by prescription. Follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the product label.
The use of famotidine can lead to various side effects in some individuals.
Common mild side effects of famotidine use include:
More severe side effects of famotidine use can include:
If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking famotidine, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with famotidine. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with famotidine.
Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:
You should also mention medical conditions such as:
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using famotidine with your healthcare provider.
Take famotidine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.
Your provider may direct you to avoid certain foods and beverages that can aggravate your condition, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol while taking famotidine.
Famotidine can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Because of this, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better, to ensure the medication's effectiveness in managing your condition.
In case of a famotidine overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, confusion, or unusual tiredness. If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.
Famotidine is available in the following forms:
The typical starting dose of famotidine varies depending on the condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and individual patient factors. It is crucial to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and administration.
For acid reflux or GERD:
For ulcers:
The dosage may be adjusted based on the response and tolerance to the medication. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate dose based on your medical history and your response to the medication.
Famotidine should be taken as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment without consulting your provider.
If you have any questions about your dosage or need adjustments, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. If you want to talk to a provider right away, consider scheduling an online doctor appointment through a telehealth platform like Sesame.
If you miss a dose of famotidine, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Take famotidine around the same time every day to maintain a consistent amount of medication in your body.
Continue taking famotidine as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better. It's important to keep taking the medication as directed to manage your condition effectively.
Do not suddenly stop taking famotidine; this can cause your symptoms to return.
If you have any concerns or questions about your medication, discuss them with your healthcare provider for medical advice and recommendations.
Store famotidine according to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Keep it at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Ensure the container is tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Do not use expired medication or medications that appear damaged or discolored. If you have any questions about storage, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.