Side Effects:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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