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Famotidine

Also sold as Famotidine, FAMOTIDINE, heartburn relief, Maximum Strength Acid Reducer

From 11 official FDA drug labels · RxNorm 310273

This comes from U.S. FDA labels. Brand names, strengths and advice can differ in your country; check with a local health professional. Set your country.

What it is used for

These are the uses the FDA has approved for this label. Using it for anything else is “off-label”: ask your prescriber why.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Famotidine tablets are indicated in adult and pediatric patients 40 kg and greater for the treatment of: • active duodenal ulcer (DU). • active gastric ulcer (GU). • symptomatic nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). • erosive esophagitis due to GERD, diagnosed by biopsy. Famotidine tablets are indicated in adults for the: • treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasias). • reduction of the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence. Famotidine tablets are a histamine-2 (H 2 ) receptor antagonist indicated ( 1 ): In adult and pediatric patients 40 kg and greater for the treatment of: • active duodenal ulcer (DU). • active gastric ulcer. • symptomatic nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). • erosive esophagitis due to GERD, diagnosed by biopsy. In adults for the: • treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasias). • reduction of the risk of DU recurrence.

How to take it

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Indication Recommended Dosage ( 2.1 ) Adult and Pediatric Patients 40 kg and greater Active DU 40 mg once daily; or 20 mg twice daily Active Gastric Ulcer 40 mg once daily GERD 20 mg twice daily Erosive Esophagitis 20 mg twice daily; or 40 mg twice daily Adults Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions 20 mg every 6 hours; adjust to patient needs; maximum 160 mg every 6 hours Risk Reduction of DU Recurrence 20 mg once daily • See full prescribing information for complete dosing information, including dosing in renal impairment, and recommended treatment duration. ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Administration ( 2.3 ): • Take once daily before bedtime or twice daily in the morning and before bedtime with or without food. 2.1 Recommended Dosage Table 1 shows the recommended dosage of famotidine 20 mg and 40 mg tablets in adult and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg and greater with normal renal function. The use of famotidine 20 mg and 40 mg tablets is not recommended in pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg because the lowest available strength (20 mg) exceeds the recommended dose for these patients. Use another famotidine formulation for pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg. Table 1: Recommended Dosage and Duration of Famotidine Tablets in Adult and Pediatric Patients 40 kg and Greater with Normal Renal Function Indication Recommended Dosage Recommended Duration Active duodenal ulcer (DU) 40 mg once daily; or 20 mg twice daily a Up to 8 weeks b,c Active gastric ulcer 40 mg once daily Up to 8 weeks c Symptomatic nonerosive GERD 20 mg twice daily Up to 6 weeks c Erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopy 20 mg twice daily; or 40 mg twice daily a Up to 12 weeks Pathological hypersecretory conditions d Starting dosage: 20 mg every 6 hours; adjust dosage to individual patient needs Maximum dosage 160 mg every 6 hours As clinically indicated Reduction of the risk of DU recurrence d 20 mg once daily 1 year c or as clinically indicated a Both dosages demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. b In clinical trials, the majority of patients healed within 4 weeks. For patients who do not heal after 4 weeks, consider an additional 2 to 4 weeks of treatment [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. c Longer treatment durations have not been studied in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 , 14.2 , 14.3 )]. d In pediatric patients, the safety and effectiveness of famotidine tablets have not been established for the reduction of the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence or for treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )]. 2.2 Dosage in Renal Impairment Dosage adjustments of famotidine tablets are recommended for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min) [see Use in Specific Populations 8.6 )] . Table 2 shows the recommended maximum dosage of famotidine 20 mg or 40 mg tablets for patients with renal impairment, by indication. Use the lowest effective dose. Some dosage adjustments may require switching to other formulations of famotidine (e.g., oral suspension, lower dose tablet). Table 2: Recommended Maximum Dosage of Famotidine Tablets in Adult and Pediatric Patients 40 kg and Greater with Moderate and Severe Renal Impairment Indication Recommended Maximum Dosages Creatinine clearance 30 to 60 mL/minute Creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute Active duodenal ulcer (DU) 20 mg once daily; or 40 mg every other day 20 mg every other day a Active gastric ulcer 20 mg once daily; or 40 mg every other day 20 mg every other day a Symptomatic nonerosive GERD 20 mg once daily 20 mg every other day a Erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopy b 20 mg once daily; or 40 mg every other day b 20 mg every other day a,b 40 mg once daily b 20 mg once daily b Pathological hypersecretory conditions c Avoid use d Reduction of the risk of DU recurrence c 20 mg every other day a (see footnote) e a An alternate dosage regimen is 10 mg once daily. Since 20 mg or 40 mg tablet strength cannot be used for this dosage regimen, use an alternate famotidine formulation. b Dosage adjustments for renal impairment are provided for both dosing regimens (20 mg twice daily and 40 mg twice daily) which showed effectiveness for the treatment of erosive esophagitis in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )]. c In pediatric patients, the safety and effectiveness of famotidine tablets have not been established for the reduction of the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence or for treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )]. d Doses required to treat pathological hypersecretory conditions may exceed the maximum doses evaluated in patients with impaired renal function. The risk for increased adverse reactions in renally impaired patients treated with famotidine tablets for pathological hypersecretory conditions is unknown. e Recommended dosage regimen is 10 mg every other day. Since 20 mg or 40 mg tablet strength cannot be used for this dosage regimen, use an alternate famotidine formulation. 2.3 Administration Instructions • Take famotidine tablets once daily before bedtime or twice daily in the morning and before bedtime, as recommended. • Famotidine tablets may be taken with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. • Famotidine tablets may be given with antacids.

Do not take it if

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Famotidine tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to famotidine or other histamine-2 (H 2 ) receptor antagonists. History of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to famotidine or other H 2 receptor antagonists. ( 4 )

Serious warnings and precautions

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Central Nervous System (CNS) Adverse Reactions: Elderly patients and patients with renal impairment at increased risk; reduce the dosage. ( 2.2 , 5.1 , 8.5 , 8.6 ) • GI Malignancy: Absence of GI symptoms does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy; evaluate prior to initiating therapy. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Central Nervous System Adverse Reactions Central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions, including confusion, delirium, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizures, and lethargy, have been reported in elderly patients and patients with moderate and severe renal impairment treated with famotidine. Since famotidine blood levels are higher in patients with renal impairment than in patients with normal renal function, dosage adjustments are recommended in patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 5.2 Concurrent Gastric Malignancy In adults, symptomatic response to therapy with famotidine does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy. Consider evaluation for gastric malignancy in adult patients who have a suboptimal response or an early symptomatic relapse after completing treatment with famotidine.

Common side effects

From the label’s clinical-trial and reporting data. Serious problems are under the warnings above.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions are: headache, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Annora Pharma Private Limited at 1-866-495-1995 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Famotidine was studied in 7 US and international placebo- and active-controlled trials in approximately 2500 patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. A total of 1442 patients were treated with famotidine, including 302 treated with 40 mg twice daily, 456 treated with 20 mg twice daily, 461 treated with 40 mg once daily, and 396 treated with 20 mg once daily. The population was 17 to 91 years old, fairly well distributed between gender and race; however, the predominant race treated was Caucasian. The following adverse reactions occurred in greater than or equal to 1% of famotidine-treated patients: headache, dizziness and constipation. The following other adverse reactions were reported in less than 1% of patients in clinical trials: Body as a Whole: fever, asthenia, fatigue Cardiovascular: palpitations Gastrointestinal: elevated liver enzymes, vomiting, nausea, abdominal discomfort, anorexia, dry mouth Hematologic: thrombocytopenia Hypersensitivity: orbital edema, rash, conjunctival injection, bronchospasm Musculoskeletal: musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia Nervous System/Psychiatric: seizure, hallucinations, depression, anxiety, decreased libido, insomnia, somnolence Skin: pruritus, dry skin, flushing Special Senses: tinnitus, taste disorder Other: impotence 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of famotidine. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiovascular: arrhythmia, AV block, prolonged QT interval Gastrointestinal: cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis Hematologic : agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, leukopenia Hypersensitivity: anaphylaxis, angioedema, facial edema, urticaria Musculoskeletal : rhabdomyolysis, muscle cramps Nervous System/Psychiatric: confusion, agitation, paresthesia Respiratory: interstitial pneumonia Skin: toxic epidermal necrolysis/Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Taking it with other medicines

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Drugs Dependent on Gastric pH for Absorption: Systemic exposure of the concomitant drug may be significantly reduced leading to loss of efficacy. See full prescribing information for a list of interacting drugs. ( 7.1 ) • Tizanidine (CYP1A2) Substrate: Potential for substantial increases in blood concentrations of tizanidine resulting in hypotension, bradycardia or excessive drowsiness; avoid concomitant use, if possible. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Drugs Dependent on Gastric pH for Absorption Famotidine can reduce the absorption of other drugs, due to its effect on reducing intragastric acidity, leading to loss of efficacy of the concomitant drug. Concomitant administration of famotidine with dasatinib, delavirdine mesylate, cefditoren, and fosamprenavir is not recommended. See the prescribing information for other drugs dependent on gastric pH for absorption for administration instructions, including atazanavir, erlotinib, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, nilotinib, and rilpivirine. 7.2 Tizanidine (CYP1A2 Substrate) Although not studied clinically, famotidine is considered a weak CYP1A2 inhibitor and may lead to substantial increases in blood concentrations of tizanidine, a CYP1A2 substrate. Avoid concomitant use with famotidine. If concomitant use is necessary, monitor for hypotension, bradycardia or excessive drowsiness. Refer to the full prescribing information for tizanidine.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data with H 2 -receptor antagonists, including famotidine, in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse development effects were observed with oral administration of famotidine at doses up to approximately 243 and 122 times, respectively, the recommended human dose of 80 mg per day for the treatment of erosive esophagitis (see Data). The estimated background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Reproductive studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at oral doses of up to 2000 and 500 mg/kg/day, respectively, and in both species at intravenous doses of up to 200 mg/kg/day, and have revealed no significant evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to famotidine. While no direct fetotoxic effects have been observed, sporadic abortions occurring only in mothers displaying marked decreased food intake were seen in some rabbits at oral doses of 200 mg/kg/day (about 49 times the recommended human dose of 80 mg per day, based on body surface area) or higher. There are, however, no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

If you take too much

10 OVERDOSAGE The types of adverse reactions in overdosage of famotidine are similar to the adverse reactions encountered with use of recommended dosages [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. In the event of overdosage, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Unabsorbed material should be removed from the gastrointestinal tract, the patient should be monitored, and supportive therapy should be employed. Due to low binding to plasma proteins, famotidine is eliminated by hemodialysis. There is limited experience on the usefulness of hemodialysis as a treatment for famotidine overdosage.

Forms and strengths available

26.6 MG / 800 MG · Oral Tablet20 MG · Disintegrating Oral Tablet40 MG · Disintegrating Oral Tablet10 MG · Oral Tablet10 MG/ML · Injectable Solution4 MG/ML · Injectable Solution40 MG · Oral Tablet10 MG · Chewable Tablet20 MG · Oral Tablet8 MG/ML · Oral Suspension20 MG · Chewable Tablet

From RxNorm. Which forms and strengths are actually stocked varies by pharmacy and country.

Reactions people have reported

nausea 3dizziness 3local swelling 2diarrhoea 2weight decreased 2vomiting 1abdominal pain lower 1vaginal haemorrhage 1swelling face 1genital haemorrhage 1

These are counts from 10 voluntary reports to the FDA. They show what has been reported — they are not how common a side effect is, and they do not prove the medicine caused it.

Recalls

Class II · Sep 9, 2026
Famotidine Injection in Sodium Chloride Injection, 20 mg, 50 mL in GALAXY Single Dose Container, Rx Only, Sterile Nonpyrogenic, Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL 60015 USA, NDC 0338-5197-41.
Reason: CGMP Deviations
Class I · Dec 3, 2025
Famotidine Injection, USP, 20 mg per 2 mL (10 mg per mL), 2 mL vials, Rx only, Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC, NDC 63323-739-11 (unit of use), 63323-739-12 (unit of sale).
Reason: Microbial Contamination of Sterile Products; out of limit results obtained for endotoxin testing.
Class II · Jan 24, 2024
Ibuprofen and Famotidine Tablets 800mg/26.6mg, Rx Only, 90 Tablets per Bottle, manufactured by: Alkem Laboratories Ltd., INDIA, Distributed by: Ascend Laboratories, LLC., Parsippany, NJ 07054, NDC 67877-626-90
Reason: Presence of Foreign Tablet/Capsule: A stray Rasagiline Mesylate 1 mg tablet was discovered in an unopened bottle of Ibuprofen and Famotidine.
Class II · Jul 26, 2023
Famotidine Tablets, USP, 20mg, 200-count bottle within a carton, Distributed by: Glenmark Therapeutics Inc., USA, Mahwah, NJ 07430, Made in India, NDC 72657-113-20.
Reason: Labeling: Label Error on Declared Strength: some cartons labeled and containing 20 mg may have an external label placed on the side of the carton indicating strength as 10 mg.
Class II · Mar 10, 2021
Famotidine Tablets USP 40mg, 1,000-count bottles, Rx only, Distributed by: Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. 279 Princeton-Hightstown Road East Windsor, NJ 08520 Made in India, NDC 65862-860-99
Reason: Presence of foreign tablets/capsules: Famotidine 20mg and ibuprofen 400mg tablets were found in a lot of famotidine 40mg.
Class III · Jul 29, 2020
Famotidine Injection, USP, 20 mg/2mL, 2 mL vial, Rx only, Single Dose Vial, For Intravenous Use Only After Dilution, Distributed by HF Acquisition Co, LLC, Mukilteo, WA 98275, NDC 63323-739-12
Reason: TEMPERATURE ABUSE: Complaint received from customer that product was received in a non-refrigerated state.
Class III · Oct 18, 2017
Famotidine tablets, 10 mg, packaged in 30-count bottle, OTC, labeled as a) CVS Pharmacy Acid Controller, NDC 55111-118-30, Distributed by: CVS Pharmacy, Inc., One CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02895, Made in India, b) Equate Famotidine, NDC 49035-118-30, Distributed by: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Bentonville, AR 72716, Made in India
Reason: Failed impurities/degradation specifications: Famotodine has an out of specification result for an individual related substance observed during routine stability testing of a batch for related substances -impurity 8 at 24 month stability interval.
Class III · Sep 13, 2017
Famotidine for Oral Suspension USP, 40 mg/5 mL, 50 mL bottle, Rx only, Manufactured for: Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland 21202; Manufactured by: Lupin Limited, Goa 403 722 INDIA, NDC 68180-150-01
Reason: CGMP Deviations

Research & studies

Recent higher-quality studies about Famotidine, from PubMed. We link to the source — titles only. This is not medical advice.

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

Why you can trust this

Everything above comes from official FDA drug labels (openFDA), not written by us. Here are the exact labels used.

This information explains the official label. It cannot tell you whether this medicine is right or safe for you personally — only a qualified health professional who knows your history can do that. Do not start, stop, or change a medicine based on this page alone.