Famotidine tablets: quick, practical guide

Famotidine tablets are a common H2 blocker that cuts stomach acid to ease heartburn, reflux, and some ulcer symptoms. If antacids aren’t enough and you want longer relief, famotidine can be a good next step. It’s available over the counter (usually 10–20 mg) and by prescription at higher doses for tougher problems.

How to use famotidine and what to expect

Famotidine blocks histamine H2 receptors in the stomach so acid production drops. Expect relief in 30–60 minutes and effects that last most of the day or night. Use it for occasional heartburn, predictable reflux after meals, or to reduce nighttime symptoms. It’s not an immediate neutralizer like an antacid, but it prevents acid from coming back quickly.

OTC dosing is typically 10–20 mg once or twice a day. For regular or severe issues, doctors may prescribe 40 mg or adjust frequency. Follow the label or your doctor’s instructions—don’t up the dose on your own. If OTC famotidine doesn’t help after 14 days, check with a healthcare provider to rule out other causes.

Safety tips, interactions, and side effects

Take tablets with water; food doesn’t matter, but many people take one at bedtime to prevent night symptoms. If you use antacids too, you can take them alongside famotidine—antacids act fast, famotidine lasts longer. Space doses roughly 12 hours apart if taking twice daily.

Kidney function matters. The kidneys remove famotidine, so dose adjustments are common for people with reduced kidney function. Older adults may be more sensitive and can develop confusion or dizziness at higher doses—report any mental changes right away.

Common side effects are mild: headache, constipation, diarrhea, or dizziness. Serious reactions are rare but include severe allergic response or major changes in mood or thinking. Stop and get urgent care if you have trouble breathing, swelling, or severe rash. If you see black stools, vomit blood, can’t swallow, or lose weight without trying, seek immediate medical attention—those signs need different care.

Famotidine lowers stomach acid, so it can change absorption of some drugs that need an acidic stomach. Antifungal pills like ketoconazole or itraconazole and some HIV drugs can be affected. Always tell your pharmacist about other medicines and supplements.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your clinician. Famotidine has been used during pregnancy but your doctor will advise based on your situation. For long-term acid control, doctors may test for H. pylori infection or consider switching to a proton pump inhibitor depending on results and severity.

Practical last tips: check the tablet strength before dosing, store meds in a cool dry place, and keep a list of all medicines to show your pharmacist. If symptoms persist or worsen, ask your doctor—sometimes stronger treatment or testing is needed.