Famotidin

Drug name:Famotidin

Active Ingredients: Famotidine

Therapeutic actions: Famotidine is an "H2 blocker" that works by blocking a specific kind of histamine receptor. Histamine is a chemical released by the body that has several effects. In the stomach, histamine causes more acid to be produced. By blocking histamine in the stomach, famotidine reduces the amount of acid produced. This is why famotidine is known as an "acid reducer."

Indications: Famotidine is used to treat:

• Excessive secretion of stomach acid due to a tumour or enlargement of the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
• Peptic ulcers
• Preventing relapse of duodenal ulcers
• Preventing relapse of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Contraindications and cautions:
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to famotidine, or any inactive component used to make famotidine.
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking famotidine if you have:

• Kidney problems, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
• Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also let your healthcare provider know if you:

• Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Are breastfeeding.
• Some of the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, or ulcers are similar to symptoms of stomach cancer. The fact that famotidine helps relieve your symptoms does not rule out the possibility of stomach cancer.
• The safety and efficacy of this medicine in children has not been studied by the manufacturer.

Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Depression
• Confusion
• Muscle cramps
• Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Loss of appetite
• Skin reactions such as rash and itch
• Anxiety and agitation
• Jaundice caused by blockage of bile flow (cholestatic jaundice)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Abnormal enlargement of breasts in men (gynaecomastia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drugs:

• Atazanavir (Reyataz®)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox®)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral®).

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.