Famotidine Suspension

What is this medication?

FAMOTIDINE (fa MOE ti deen) treats heartburn, stomach ulcers, reflux disease, or other conditions that cause too much stomach acid. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pepcid

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to famotidine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake the bottle for 5 to 10 seconds. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medication. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. If you only take this medication once a day, take it at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Delavirdine
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your condition does not start to get better or if it gets worse.

Do not take with aspirin, ibuprofen or other antiinflammatory medications. These can make your condition worse.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These cause irritation in your stomach and can increase the time it will take for ulcers to heal.

If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your care team at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

This medication may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Confusion
• Hallucinations

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medication after thirty days.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.