Famotidine (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (suspension, tablets):
  • To treat stomach ulcers:
    • Adults—20 milligrams (mg) one or two times per day or 40 mg once a day at bedtime.
    • Teenagers and children above 1 year of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 0.5 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, given as a single dose at bedtime or divided in two doses. The total dose is usually not more than 40 mg per day.
  • To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
    • Adults—20 milligrams (mg) two times per day.
    • Teenagers and children above 1 year of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided and given two times per day. The total dose is usually not more than 40 mg two times per day.
    • Infants 3 months to 1 year of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided and given two times per day.
    • Infants younger than 3 months of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 0.5 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, given as a single dose once a day.
  • To treat erosive esophagitis (heartburn):
    • Adults—10, 20, or 40 milligrams (mg) two times per day.
    • Teenagers and children above 1 year of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided and given two times per day. The total dose is usually not more than 40 mg two times per day.
  • To treat too much stomach acid (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome):
    • Adults—20 milligrams (mg) every 6 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Throw away any unused oral liquid after 30 days.

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