Side Effects:

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

Expert advice for Famotin Tablet
Famotin is a well tolerated and safe medicine with a very low incidence of side effects. Take Famotin 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 Famotin. 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 Famotin 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 Famotin different from omeprazole?
Both Famotin 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 Famotin in treating heartburn and in rapid healing of duodenal ulcers. However, the effect of these medicines may vary upon individual response.

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

Q. Is Famotin safe to use?
Famotin 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 Famotin with ibuprofen?
Famotin 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 Famotin are used to prevent and treat gastric problems caused by ibuprofen.

Q. Would there be a change in the dose of Famotin in patients undergoing dialysis?
Yes, there could be a change in the dose of Famotin in patients undergoing dialysis. In patients with severe renal failure, a lower dose of Famotin 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 Famotin with aspirin?
Aspirin can be taken with Famotin. 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 Famotin are used to prevent and treat gastric problems caused by painkillers.

Q. Why does Famotin cause dizziness?
Dizziness is a commonly reported side effect with the use of Famotin. 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 Famotin.

Q. What is the role of Famotin before surgery?
Famotin 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 Famotin with ranitidine?
Both Famotin 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 Famotin in critically ill patients?
Famotin 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 Famotin and esomeprazole?
Famotin is an H2 histamine receptor blocker whereas esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Esomeprazole is more potent at inhibiting gastric acid production compared to Famotin and also its effect lasts for a long time.

Q. Is Famotin an over the counter product?
Famotin 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 Famotin?
Famotin is not seen to be associated with any withdrawal symptoms. In treatment-withdrawal studies of Famotin, no significant withdrawal symptoms were observed after discontinuing the medication.

Q. Why is Famotin 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 Famotin is given in these patients to decrease acid secretion and prevent gastric ulcers.

Q. What are the side effects of Famotin 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 Famotin in infants (children less than 1 year of age).

Q. Why is Famotin used in cancer patients?
Famotin 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, Famotin can potentiate white blood cell against cancer cells and can be helpful in the treatment of cancer.

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

Q. Is there any benefit of taking Famotin with Lansoprazole?
Both Famotin and pantoprazole lower gastric acid secretion, however, they work by different mechanisms. If you have been advised to take pantoprazole, you can take Famotin 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 Famotin with Pantoprazole?
Both Famotin and pantoprazole lower gastric acid secretion, however, they work by different mechanisms. If you have been advised to take pantoprazole, you can also take Famotin 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 Famotin use cause hair loss?
No, use of Famotin 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 Famotin in elderly?
No specific studies have been done to study the use of Famotin 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 Famotin with Tramadol?
Yes Famotin 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 Famotin with Ciprofloxacin?
Famotin and Ciprofloxacin can be taken together. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Famotin 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 Famotin with Azithromycin?
Famotin and Azithromycin can be taken together. Azithromycin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Famotin 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 Famotin with Doxycyclin?
Famotin and Doxycyclin can be taken together. Doxycyclin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. Famotin 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.