Famotidine 20mg/50ml Inj, 50ml

Famotidine is a competitive inhibitor of histamine H2-receptors. It inhibits basal and nocturnal gastric acid secretion and, to a lesser extent, pepsin secretion. It also inhibits gastric acid secretion stimulated by food, betazole, and pentagastrin. By blocking H2-receptors on gastric parietal cells, it reduces the volume and acid content of gastric secretions.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Dizziness or fainting
Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for advice:

Headache

Important Note

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
Certain health issues, including:
+ Black or bloody stools
+ Heartburn accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, dizziness, or wheezing
+ Chest pain
+ Shoulder pain with shortness of breath
+ Pain that radiates to the arms, neck, or shoulders
+ Lightheadedness
+ Excessive sweating
+ Vomiting blood
+ Difficulty or pain when swallowing food
If you have experienced heartburn for 3 months or more
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: cefditoren, dasatinib, delavirdine, or fosamprenavir

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. It is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe use. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor first.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Adhere to the prescribed duration of treatment, and do not exceed the recommended timeframe without consulting your doctor.

If you have pre-existing kidney problems or are 65 years or older, discuss your condition with your doctor, as you may be at a higher risk of experiencing certain side effects. These include hallucinations (perceiving things that are not present), seizures, and feelings of agitation, confusion, sluggishness, or being out of sorts, which have been reported in individuals with kidney issues and older adults.

This medication may interfere with the absorption of other oral medications. If you are taking other drugs by mouth, your doctor may advise you to take them at a different time than this medication to ensure optimal effectiveness.

Some formulations of this product contain benzyl alcohol. It is crucial to avoid products with benzyl alcohol in newborns and infants whenever possible, as high doses of benzyl alcohol can cause severe side effects in these children, particularly when combined with other medications containing benzyl alcohol. Consult your doctor to determine if this product contains benzyl alcohol and to discuss alternative options.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication for both you and your baby.

• Cefditoren
• Cefpodoxime
• Dasatinib
• Delavirdine
• Erlotinib
• Iron salts (oral)
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Ledipasvir
• Nilotinib
• Posaconazole
• Rilpivirine
• Sunitinib
• Voriconazole

• Atazanavir
• Dabigatran etexilate
• Mycophenolate mofetil

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Rash
• Signs of hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, bronchospasm)

Famotidine is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clinically indicated. Animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus, and human data are reassuring, though controlled studies are limited.

Famotidine is excreted into breast milk. While the amount is small, caution is advised. Monitor the infant for potential adverse effects (e.g., changes in feeding, drowsiness). Use with caution, or consider alternative agents if possible.

Dosing varies significantly by age and weight. Neonatal use is not well-established. Close monitoring for adverse effects is crucial, especially in younger children due to potential for CNS effects (though rare). Renal dose adjustments are critical in pediatric patients with impaired renal function.

No specific dose adjustment is required based on age alone, but dose reduction is recommended for elderly patients with moderate to severe renal impairment due to decreased renal clearance. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to CNS adverse effects (e.g., confusion, dizziness), though these are rare.

• Famotidine IV is often used in hospitalized patients for stress ulcer prophylaxis or when oral administration is not feasible.
• Ensure proper dilution and administration rate for IV infusion (over 15-30 minutes) to avoid transient adverse effects like hypotension.
• Renal dose adjustment is crucial to prevent accumulation and potential adverse effects.
• Famotidine is generally well-tolerated with a low incidence of side effects.
• Consider drug interactions with medications that require an acidic gastric environment for absorption, even with IV famotidine, as it reduces overall acid production.

• Other H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., Ranitidine, Cimetidine, Nizatidine - though Ranitidine is largely off-market due to NDMA concerns)
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole) - generally more potent for acid suppression.
• Antacids (for immediate, short-term relief)
• Sucralfate (mucosal protectant)

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed to someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Properly dispose of unused or expired medications by checking with your pharmacist for the recommended method, as some medications may require specific disposal procedures. Additionally, you can inquire about drug take-back programs in your area. Some medications may come with a separate patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, consult with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred to ensure prompt and effective treatment.