Famocid 20 Mg Tablet (14 Tab)

FAMOCID 20 MG TABLET (14 TAB) by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD.

Name

• Brand Name: Famocid 20 MG Tablet
• Common Name: Famotidine

Composition Famocid 20 MG Tablet contains Famotidine 20mg as its active ingredient. Famotidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist that works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

Uses Famocid 20 MG Tablet is prescribed for various conditions related to excessive stomach acid production. These include:

• Treatment and prevention of heartburn and indigestion.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and reflux oesophagitis (inflammation of the food pipe due to acid reflux).
• Treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcer disease).
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, a rare condition involving tumours that cause increased stomach acid.
• Prevention of stomach ulcers and heartburn caused by the use of painkillers.

Dosage and Administration Famocid 20 MG Tablet should be taken orally, swallowed whole with water, and not crushed, broken, or chewed. It can be taken with or without food. The dosage and duration are determined by a doctor based on the patient's condition.

• For GERD: A typical dosage may be 20 mg twice daily for 6-12 weeks.
• For benign gastric and duodenal ulceration: 40 mg once daily at bedtime for 4-8 weeks.
• For dyspepsia: 10 mg twice daily. If taking other antacids, they should be taken 2 hours before or after Famocid 20 MG Tablet.

Side Effects Most people do not experience side effects, but some common ones include:

• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Weakness, tiredness, nausea, rash, gastrointestinal discomfort.

Rare but serious side effects can include:

• Hives, skin rash, itching, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
• Irregular heart rhythm.

Precautions

• Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver diseases, as dose adjustments may be necessary.
• It is generally not recommended for individuals with severe stomach disease.
• Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can further damage the stomach and delay recovery.
• If you experience dizziness, avoid driving or operating machinery.
• Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, as Famocid can interact with certain medicines (e.g., antacids, some HIV medications, certain cancer drugs, Tizanidine, Ketoconazole, Warfarin, NSAIDs).
• The possibility of a malignant growth (tumour) in the stomach should be ruled out before starting therapy, as this medicine may mask symptoms and delay diagnosis.
• Famocid 20 MG Tablet is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding if prescribed by a doctor, however, some sources suggest it should not be given to breastfeeding mothers.
• This medicine is not recommended for use in children.
• Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, as symptoms may return or worsen.

Storage Store Famocid 20 MG Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25°C or below 30°C and keep in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture.

FAMOCID 20 MG TABLET contains famotidine, which is a medication used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It belongs to a class of drugs called histamine H2-receptor antagonists, or H2-blockers.

Here are some frequently asked questions about FAMOCID 20 MG TABLET:

What is FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet used for?

FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet is primarily used to treat and prevent conditions caused by excessive stomach acid. These include stomach ulcers (gastric and duodenal ulcers), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis (heartburn or acid indigestion), and certain conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It can also be prescribed to help prevent stomach ulcers and heartburn that may be caused by taking painkillers.

How does FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet work?

FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet contains famotidine, which is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist. It works by blocking specific H2 receptors located on the parietal cells in the lining of your stomach. When these receptors are blocked, the cells produce less stomach acid, thereby reducing acidity and alleviating symptoms like heartburn and indigestion, and allowing ulcers to heal.

What is the usual dosage for FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet?

The dosage of FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet can vary depending on the condition being treated and your doctor's instructions. For active stomach ulcers, a common adult dosage might be 20 mg twice daily (morning and bedtime) or 40 mg once daily at bedtime for up to 8 weeks. For GERD or erosive esophagitis, it's often 20 mg twice daily for up to 6 weeks, or 20-40 mg twice daily for up to 12 weeks. For conditions involving too much stomach acid, the starting dose might be 20 mg every 6 hours, which your doctor may adjust as needed. The tablet can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet?

Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, constipation, or diarrhea. More serious, but rare, side effects that require immediate medical attention can include allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or an irregular heartbeat. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, you should consult your doctor.

Is FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Famotidine is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and is classified as FDA pregnancy category B. Studies have not shown an increased risk of birth defects. However, it should only be used if clearly necessary, and you should always discuss its use with your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding: Famotidine passes into breast milk in small amounts, but it is not expected to cause problems for breastfed infants, as the levels are lower than doses sometimes given to newborns directly. It is generally considered safe for use while breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding and considering taking this medication.

Can FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet can interact with certain medications by altering their absorption due to the reduction in stomach acid. Examples include some antifungal medications (like itraconazole, ketoconazole), certain HIV medications (like atazanavir, delavirdine), dasatinib, digoxin, and iron supplements. It is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen can worsen stomach conditions and should be avoided or used with caution.

What precautions should be taken while using FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet?

Before taking FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet, inform your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to famotidine or other H2-blockers. Also, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, as dose adjustments may be necessary due to slower elimination of the drug from the body. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, as these can irritate the stomach lining and hinder healing. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after a period of treatment, consult your doctor.

What happens if a dose of FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet be stored?

FAMOCID 20 MG Tablet should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, typically between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit), away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the tablets. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children. Dispose of any outdated or no longer needed medicine appropriately.