Side Effects:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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