Side Effects:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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