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$Title{FAMOTIDINE}
$Subject{Pepcid (Merck Sharp & Dohme)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


FAMOTIDINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Pepcid (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Gastric acid secretion inhibitor (decreases stomach acid)
INGREDIENT:
     famotidine
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (20 mg and 40 mg)
     Oral suspension (40 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
STORAGE:
     Famotidine should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in a
       tightly closed container.  Avoid exposure of this medication to high
       temperatures during storage.

USES

     Famotidine is used to treat active duodenal ulcers.  It is also used in
the long-term treatment of excessive stomach acid secretion (Zollinger-Ellison
syndrome) and in the prevention of recurrent ulcers.  Famotidine reduces
stomach acid secretion by blocking the effects of histamine in the stomach.

TREATMENT

     If you are taking a single daily dose of famotidine, it is best to take
the dose at bedtime in order to obtain the maximum benefits from it.  Antacids
will not affect the activity of famotidine.  Check with your doctor to see if
you should be taking antacids as part of your ulcer treatment.
     The oral liquid should be measured carefully with a specially designed
5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough to
ensure that the proper dose will be taken.
     If you miss a dose of famotidine, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, acne, change in taste, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness,
dry mouth, dry skin, fatigue, flushing, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite,
nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts
to this drug.
     If you are constipated, exercise and drink more water (unless your doctor
tells you not to do so).
     To reduce mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or hard
candy.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety, confusion, depression, fever, hair loss, hallucinations, itching,
muscle or joint pain, palpitations, ringing in the ear, seizures, shortness of
breath, tingling in the fingers or toes, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     No drug interactions with famotidine have yet been confirmed.  It is
still very important, however, to tell your doctor about all of the
medications you are taking before starting famotidine.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to any medications, especially to famotidine or to the other gastric acid
secretion inhibitors (cimetidine and ranitidine).
     * Before starting famotidine, tell your doctor if you now have or if you
have ever had kidney disease.
     * Famotidine should be taken continuously for as long as your doctor
prescribes.  Stopping therapy early may be a cause of ineffective treatment.
     * Cigarette smoking may interfere with the beneficial effects of
famotidine.
     * Aspirin, foods known to cause stomach upset, and certain drinks (such
as those containing caffeine) may worsen your stomach irritation.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Studies in pregnant
women have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of famotidine pass into animal milk;
studies on human milk have not been done.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
