Famotidine

Medically reviewed by Joseph Blais, Pharmacist

Last updated on 22/03/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Famotidine

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Aulzadin, Ausfam, Balhoa, Beilande, Cosodine, Digestone, Facid, Famak, Famine, Famo F.C., Famoced, Famol, Famolta, Famonox, Famosia, Famotab, Famoxine, Garadine, Gastrik, Marmodine, Pedine, Pepticin, Phyzidine, Ulance, Ulceran, Uni-cidine, Vickmodine, Voker, Yamadin

DRUG CLASS: Histamine-2 receptor blocker (H2RA)

USED FOR: Stomach acid reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, prevention of stomach ulcer in using antiplatelet medication

OTHER DRUGS IN THE SAME CLASS: Cimetidine, Ranitidine

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS: 20mg, 40mg (tablets)

What is Famotidine for?

Famotidine belongs to a class of medications called histamine-2 blockers. It works by suppressing the secretion of stomach acid and can treat several digestive system disorders, including stomach acid reflux, heartburn, stomach and duodenal ulcer. It can also be used in patients taking antiplatelet medication (e.g. aspirin) to prevent stomach ulcers.

How to use it?

Famotidine can be taken orally. The adult dosages are as follows:

For treating stomach ulcer, take 40 mg once at bedtime for up to 8 weeks.

For treating duodenal ulcer, take 40 mg once at bedtime for 8 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 20 mg once at bedtime.

For treating stomach acid reflux, take 20 mg twice daily, for up to 6 weeks in non-erosive cases; for up to 12 weeks in erosive cases (as diagnosed by endoscopy).

For treating heartburn, take 10-20 mg twice daily. You may take 15-60 min before eating foods that cause heartburn.

What are the side effects of Famotidine?

Common side effects of Famotidine include diarrhoea, dizziness, and headache.

Who should not take Famotidine?

Anyone who has an allergy to Famotidine.

Pharmacist Tips:

Long-term use of Famotidine (for >2 years) may result in poor absorption of Vitamin B12.

Common dosing schedule:
Take with or without food.
For treating heartburn, take 15-60 min before eating foods that cause heartburn.
For preventing ulcer in concurrent use of antiplatelet agents, take the two medications at the same time.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Famotidine may interact:
1. Cefuroxime
2. EGFR Inhibitor (e.g. Erlotinib, Gefitinib)
3. Itraconazole
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Famotidine in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Famotidine is an over-the-counter medicine which can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Famotidine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.