Side Effects:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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