Famotidine Oral Tablet

Famotidine oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common adult side effects for this drug are slightly different from the more common side effects for children.

• Adult side effects can include:
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
• Children under one year of age may also experience:
  • agitation, unusual restlessness, or crying for no clear reason

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Heart rate and rhythm problems. Symptoms can include:
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • shortness of breath
  • irregular heart rate and rhythm
• Severe muscle problems. Symptoms can include:
  • unusual muscle pain that you cannot explain
  • weakness
  • fever
• Neurological problems. Symptoms can include:
  • agitation
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • trouble sleeping
  • seizures
  • sexual problems, such as decreased sex drive
• Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
  • unexplained or unusual weakness
  • decrease in appetite
  • pain in your abdomen (stomach area)
  • change in the color of your urine
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
• Skin problems. Symptoms can include:
  • blisters
  • rash
  • mouth sores or ulcers

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes famotidine oral tablet for you.

General

• You can take famotidine with or without food.
• Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.
• You can cut or crush the tablet.
• Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead.

Storage

• Store the oral tablets at 77°F (25°C). They may be stored for a short time from 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Keep them away from light.
• Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

• Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
• Don’t worry about airport x-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
• You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you.
• Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Your diet

Certain foods and beverages may irritate your stomach. This irritation could make your symptoms worse. Your doctor may suggest that you avoid spicy, acidic, and fatty foods while you take this drug. (Acidic foods include tomatoes and citrus fruits.) They may also ask you to avoid beverages with caffeine.

Insurance

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.