Side Effects:

Common Headache, Muscle pain, Fatigue, Diarrhoea, Drowsiness, Constipation.

Expert advice for Faltidin Tablet
Faltidin is a well tolerated and safe medicine with a very low incidence of side effects. Take Faltidin before going to bed if you are taking this medicine once a day as it is very effective in controlling stomach acid released in the midnight. If you are also taking an antacid, take it two hours before or after taking Faltidin. Avoid taking soft drinks, citrus fruits like orange and lemon, which can irritate the stomach and increase acid secretion. Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after taking Faltidin for two weeks or 14 days as you may be suffering from some other problems. Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney or liver disease. Dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How is Faltidin different from omeprazole?
Both Faltidin and omeprazole lower the acid production in your stomach but they belong to the different group of drugs. Studies have shown that omeprazole is more effective than Faltidin in treating heartburn and in rapid healing of duodenal ulcers. However, the effect of these medicines may vary upon individual response.

Q. Is Faltidin an antacid?
Faltidin belongs to the class of H2 receptor blockers which decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach. While antacids only neutralize the stomach acid by coating the stomach.

Q. What is the difference between Faltidin and pantoprazole?
Faltidin is an H2 histamine receptor blocker whereas pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Pantoprazole is more potent at inhibiting gastric acid production compared to famotidine and also its effect lasts for a long time.

Q. How is Faltidin different from cimetidine?
Both Faltidin and cimetidine lower gastric acid secretion by blocking the H2 receptor in the stomach. However, Faltidin is longer acting, more efficacious, and has very less side effects when compared to cimetidine.

Q. Is Faltidin safe to use?
Faltidin is safe if used for a prescribed duration in doses as prescribed by your physician. However, there are some common side effects that you can experience with the dose advised, like a headache, muscle pain, fatigue, diarrhea, drowsiness, and constipation.

Q. Can I take Faltidin with ibuprofen?
Faltidin can be taken with ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a pain killer and belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) which can cause stomach acidity, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. Drugs like Faltidin are used to prevent and treat gastric problems caused by ibuprofen.

Q. Would there be a change in the dose of Faltidin in patients undergoing dialysis?
Yes, there could be a change in the dose of Faltidin in patients undergoing dialysis. In patients with severe renal failure, a lower dose of Faltidin is recommended. However, patients who undergo dialysis do not need to add a dose even if there is a considerable variation in the clearance of the drug from the body in these patients.

Q. Can I take Faltidin with aspirin?
Aspirin can be taken with Faltidin. Aspirin is a pain killer and belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) which can increase the gastric acid secretion and worsen stomach acidity, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. On the other hand, drugs like Faltidin are used to prevent and treat gastric problems caused by painkillers.

Q. Why does Faltidin cause dizziness?
Dizziness is a commonly reported side effect with the use of Faltidin. The exact mechanism of this is not known. However, it is suggested to block H2 receptor located in some brain areas (cerebral cortex and corpus striatum) which can lead to dizziness. Do not drive or use any machinery in case you feel dizzy while taking Faltidin.

Q. What is the role of Faltidin before surgery?
Faltidin is given as a part of pre-anesthetic medication before surgery to decrease the stomach acid secretion so that stomach acid is not aspirated into the lungs during surgery.

Q. Can I take Faltidin with ranitidine?
Both Faltidin and ranitidine lower gastric acid secretion by blocking the H2 receptor in the stomach. They are not used together as they have a similar action and use and when used together, there could be an increased risk of side effects.

Q. What is the role of Faltidin in critically ill patients?
Faltidin may be used in critically ill patients to decrease stomach acid secretion and lower the risk of acid aspiration into the lungs. It also helps in decreasing stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients.

Q. What is the difference between Faltidin and esomeprazole?
Faltidin is an H2 histamine receptor blocker whereas esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Esomeprazole is more potent at inhibiting gastric acid production compared to Faltidin and also its effect lasts for a long time.

Q. Is Faltidin an over the counter product?
Faltidin is not available as an over the counter (OTC) product. It is a prescription medicine and is available when prescribed by a doctor.

Q. Are there any withdrawal symptoms associated with the use of Faltidin?
Faltidin is not seen to be associated with any withdrawal symptoms. In treatment-withdrawal studies of Faltidin, no significant withdrawal symptoms were observed after discontinuing the medication.

Q. Why is Faltidin added to total parenteral nutrition?
Patients on total parenteral nutrition are prone to increased secretion of stomach acid in the absence of food. H2 receptor blockers like Faltidin is given in these patients to decrease acid secretion and prevent gastric ulcers.

Q. What are the side effects of Faltidin seen in infants?
Irritability, lethargy, diarrhea, dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and urticaria are some of the side effects reported with the use of Faltidin in infants (children less than 1 year of age).

Q. Why is Faltidin used in cancer patients?
Faltidin may be used for multiple reasons in cancer patients. It can lower stomach acid volume in patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent aspiration and lower the risk of stomach ulceration and bleeding. According to some studies, Faltidin can potentiate white blood cell against cancer cells and can be helpful in the treatment of cancer.

Q. When does Faltidin expire?
Yes, Faltidin does expire. Please check the expiry date written on the pack and it refers to the last day of that month. Do not use Faltidin after the expiry date.

Q. Is there any benefit of taking Faltidin with Lansoprazole?
Both Faltidin and pantoprazole lower gastric acid secretion, however, they work by different mechanisms. If you have been advised to take pantoprazole, you can take Faltidin initially for rapid relief of heartburn and acid reflux as pantoprazole may take a few days to show its effect and help in relieving symptoms.

Q. What is the benefit of taking Faltidin with Pantoprazole?
Both Faltidin and pantoprazole lower gastric acid secretion, however, they work by different mechanisms. If you have been advised to take pantoprazole, you can also take Faltidin initially for rapid relief of heartburn and acid reflux as omeprazole may take a few days to show its effect and provide relief.

Q. Does Faltidin use cause hair loss?
No, use of Faltidin is not seen to cause hair loss. Some common side effects associated with its use includes a headache, muscle pain, fatigue, diarrhea, drowsiness, and constipation.

Q. What are the side effects of Faltidin in elderly?
No specific studies have been done to study the use of Faltidin in elderly. Headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and urticaria are some of the side effects reported with its use. Elderly patients are more prone to have kidney related problems and so a dose adjustment may be needed.

Q. Is it safe to take Faltidin with Tramadol?
Yes Faltidin can be taken with Tramadol. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Can I take Faltidin with Ciprofloxacin?
Faltidin and Ciprofloxacin can be taken together. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Faltidin is sometimes given along with for the relief of associated stomach acidity or acid reflux. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Is it safe to take Faltidin with Azithromycin?
Faltidin and Azithromycin can be taken together. Azithromycin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Faltidin is sometimes given along with for the relief of associated stomach acidity or acid reflux. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Can I take Faltidin with Doxycyclin?
Faltidin and Doxycyclin can be taken together. Doxycyclin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Faltidin is sometimes given along with for the relief of associated stomach acidity or acid reflux. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.