Famotidine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Famotidine is an acid-reducing medicine that works as a histamine H2 receptor blocker. It is used mainly to relieve heartburn linked to acid indigestion and a sour stomach, and can also help prevent these symptoms when certain foods or drinks bring them on. Ask a pharmacist about whether famotidine is suitable for your symptoms and other medicines.

Famotidine is used to relieve heartburn associated with acid indigestion and a sour stomach. It is also used to prevent this type of heartburn when eating certain foods or drinking certain beverages brings on symptoms.

These uses cover both relief of symptoms that are already present and prevention of symptoms linked to known food or drink triggers. Heartburn that continues or gets worse needs a doctor's review.

The label lists oral tablets, coated tablets and film-coated tablets in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg. The label lists oral suspension and powders for oral solution or suspension at 40 mg/5 mL. The label lists intravenous injection strengths of 4 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL and 20 mg/50 mL.

The label lists 1 tablet with a glass of water for symptom relief in adults and children 12 years and over. The label lists 1 tablet with a glass of water from 10 to 60 minutes before food or beverages that cause heartburn for prevention in this age group. The label lists a maximum of 2 tablets in 24 hours.

The tablet directions state that tablets should not be chewed. For children under 12 years, the label says to ask a doctor. These heartburn tablet directions do not describe dosing for the other listed forms.

Famotidine reduces the amount of acid made in the stomach. It blocks histamine H2 receptors, which act like switches on the cells that produce stomach acid. Blocking these switches reduces the signal telling those cells to release acid.

With less acid in the stomach, there is less acid available to irritate the food pipe and cause heartburn. This action can help with both symptom relief and prevention.

The label advises asking a health professional before using famotidine during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. It does not describe specific pregnancy or breast-feeding risks. A doctor or pharmacist can discuss whether it is suitable before use.

The heartburn tablet directions describe use for symptom relief or prevention around food and drink triggers, rather than a fixed daily schedule. A missed dose should not be made up by doubling a later dose. Ask a pharmacist if unsure how to handle a missed dose, and stay within the label's maximum.

The label states storage at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) and protection from moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children, and read the directions and warnings before use.