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Overview

Living with heartburn or acid reflux can feel exhausting — disturbing meals, disrupting sleep, and wearing you down over time. Famotidine offers dependable, long-lasting relief by gently calming acid production at its source. By reducing excess stomach acid, it helps ease burning discomfort, protect your oesophagus, and prevent flare-ups. Taken once or twice daily, Famotidine gives you the confidence to enjoy food, relax, and sleep in comfort — without acid reflux holding you back.

At SwiftMedi, every request for Famotidine is carefully reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber following a secure online consultation, with discreet delivery straight to your door.


What is Famotidine 


Famotidine belongs to a group of medicines called H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs). It works by blocking the histamine-2 receptors in the stomach lining, which are responsible for stimulating acid production. By lowering acid levels, famotidine provides relief from symptoms such as heartburn and reflux, while giving the oesophagus and stomach lining time to heal.

It is prescribed for heartburn and acid reflux, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and the treatment and prevention of stomach or duodenal ulcers. Famotidine can also be used in conditions that involve excess stomach acid, such as Zollinger–Ellison syndrome.

Famotidine is often chosen when patients do not tolerate proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) well, or when a prescriber feels that an H2RA may be more appropriate for symptom control.

Directions

  • Usual adult dose: 20mg to 40mg once or twice daily, depending on condition and severity.
  • Can be taken with or without food.
  • Swallow tablets whole with water.
  • Short courses may last a few weeks, while some patients may require longer-term use.


Always follow your prescriber’s instructions.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, famotidine can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Most are mild, short-lived, and improve as your body adjusts to treatment.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Headache – usually mild and temporary.
  • Dizziness – may affect alertness; avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel light-headed.
  • Diarrhoea or constipation – digestive changes are usually mild and short-lived.


Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Tiredness – some people may feel more fatigued than usual.
  • Rash or itching – mild skin reactions may occur.
  • Dry mouth – typically temporary.


Rare but serious (seek urgent medical advice):

  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a sudden rash.
  • Confusion, agitation, or mood changes – more likely in older patients; stop treatment and seek advice if this occurs.
  • Heart rhythm changes – very rare, but requires urgent medical attention.


Most people tolerate famotidine well, and side effects (if they do occur) are generally mild. If you are concerned about any symptoms, or they do not improve, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or prescriber.

Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for full details. If you experience severe or worrying symptoms, seek medical advice straight away. In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.

Warnings

Famotidine may not be suitable if you:

  • Are allergic to famotidine or other H2 blockers (such as ranitidine)
  • Have kidney problems — dosage may need adjusting
  • Are taking medicines such as ketoconazole, atazanavir, or high-dose NSAIDs
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding — check with your doctor first


Unlike PPIs, Famotidine is less likely to affect vitamin and mineral absorption, but it may still require review for long-term users.

FAQ's

Is Famotidine the same as Ranitidine?
No. Ranitidine was withdrawn from the market. Famotidine is a safer, effective alternative from the same class.

How quickly does Famotidine work?
It usually starts relieving symptoms within an hour, with effects lasting 10–12 hours.

Can I take Famotidine with a PPI?
Sometimes doctors recommend H2RAs at night alongside daytime PPIs for extra coverage — but only under supervision.

Is Famotidine safe long-term?
It can be used long-term if needed, but patients should have periodic reviews.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Famotidine?
Yes, but alcohol can worsen reflux symptoms, so moderation is recommended.

Does Famotidine cure reflux?
It reduces acid and helps healing, but lifestyle measures may also be necessary for lasting control.