Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FAMOTIDINE - INJECTION

(fam-OH-tih-dine)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pepcid

Uses

This medication is used to treat and prevent ulcers, to treat gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and to treat conditions associated with excessive acid secretion.

How To Use

This medication is injected into a vein(IV). Use as directed. Do not increase your dose, use this more often than prescribed or stop using this without first consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, or irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a rapid or pounding heart rate, jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine), diarrhea, mental confusion, depression, vision changes, joint or muscle pain, ringing in the ears. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use, any allergies. Cigarette smoking can affect this medication. Tell your doctor if you smoke and if you stop or start smoking while taking this medication. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously. Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Famotidine is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, including: ketoconazole, itraconazole. Oral forms of this medication are available in prescription and nonprescription formulations. Do not use both at the same time. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, tremors, vomiting, restlessness, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness.

Notes

For best results, this medication is often used along with lifestyle changes such as stress-reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes. Talk to your health care professional about lifestyle changes you can benefit from. Laboratory tests may be done periodically while using this medication to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator or freezer as directed. If frozen, allow to thaw as directed. An expiration date will be noted on the injection. Properly discard of any unused medication after this date.