FAMOTAC

Famotidine is used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), peptic ulcer disease and heartburn.

Headache, Diarrhea, Drowsiness, Constipation

Usual dose: 40 mg orally once a day at bedtime OR 20 mg orally 2 times a day

Histamine acts as a local hormone that stimulates the acid output by parietal cells via a paracrine mechanism. Neuroendocrine cells called enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells lie close to the parietal cells and regulate the basal secretion of histamine. Histamine release is also promoted from stimulation by acetylcholine and gastrin, a peptide hormone. Gastrin (G) cells release gastrin, which works on CCK2 receptors on ECL cells. This action promotes the release of histamine from ECL cells. Upon release, histamine acts on H2 receptors expressed on the basolateral membrane of parietal cells, leading to increased intracellular cAMP levels and activated proton pumps on parietal cells. Proton pump releases more protons into the stomach, thereby increasing the secretion of acid. In conditions that are associated with acid hypersecretion such as ulcers, there is a loss of regulation of acid secretion. Famotidine works on H2 receptors and blocks the actions of histamine.

"Famotidine is a well tolerated and safe medicine with a very low incidence of side effects.
Take it with or without food.
If you are also taking other medications to treat acidity (e.g., antacid), take them 2 hours before or after taking Famotidine.
Avoid taking soft drinks, citrus fruits like orange and lemon, which can irritate the stomach and increase acid secretion."

If you have missed giving any dose of this medicine, then give it as soon as you remember. If it's already time for the next dose then skip the missed dose and follow the regular dosing schedule. Follow the dosing schedule regularly & take this medicine at regular intervals.

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