• Reduces stomach acid to relieve heartburn and indigestion
  • Provides effective relief from acid reflux symptoms
  • A suitable option when PPIs are not tolerated

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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.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is famotidine and how does it work?

    Famotidine is an H2 blocker that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. It is used to treat heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion, especially when symptoms occur after meals or at night. It works faster than PPIs and is helpful for short-term or occasional symptoms. Many people use it alongside lifestyle changes for improved control.

  • How long does famotidine take to relieve heartburn?

    Famotidine usually starts relieving symptoms within 30–60 minutes. It lasts several hours, making it useful for quick relief when flare-ups occur. It does not provide the long-lasting protection of PPIs, but it can help bridge symptoms until other treatments take effect. Regular or severe symptoms may need a different medication for long-term control.

  • Is famotidine as effective as PPIs like omeprazole or esomeprazole?

    Famotidine works well for mild to moderate heartburn, but PPIs are stronger for frequent or severe reflux. Famotidine is useful when quick relief is needed or when PPIs cause side effects. Some people prefer rotating treatments depending on symptoms. A clinician can recommend the best option based on how often you get heartburn.

  • How do I take famotidine for the best results?

    Take famotidine once or twice daily depending on the strength, usually before food or at the onset of symptoms. Swallow tablets with water. You can use it occasionally or for short courses. If symptoms happen often, using a PPI may offer better control. Leave a gap if also taking antacids to avoid reduced absorption.

  • What side effects can famotidine cause?

    Common side effects include headache, dizziness, constipation or diarrhoea. These are usually mild and short lasting. Rare effects include mood changes or abdominal discomfort. If symptoms are persistent or severe, a clinician may review your dose or suggest alternatives. Famotidine is generally well tolerated when used correctly.

  • Is famotidine safe for long-term use?

    Famotidine can be used long term for some people, but tolerance may develop, making it less effective over time. PPIs are usually preferred for ongoing or severe reflux because they provide more stable acid control. Periodic reviews help ensure you remain on the safest and most effective treatment plan.

  • Who should avoid taking famotidine?

    Famotidine may not be suitable if you have kidney problems, take certain antifungal medicines or have unexplained weight loss or difficulty swallowing. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should seek medical advice first. A consultation helps ensure famotidine is safe and appropriate for your symptoms.

  • Can I take Gaviscon or antacids with famotidine?

    Yes. Many people combine famotidine with antacids or alginates such as Gaviscon for faster relief. Antacids calm symptoms quickly while famotidine reduces acid production for several hours. Leave a two-hour gap between doses to avoid affecting absorption. This combination is especially helpful after large meals or late-night reflux.

  • Is famotidine good for night-time reflux?

    Famotidine works particularly well for night-time reflux because it starts working quickly and lasts several hours. It may help when symptoms wake you at night or occur after evening meals. If night-time symptoms continue despite treatment, a clinician may suggest switching to or adding a PPI for stronger acid suppression.

  • What should I do if famotidine stops working?

    Review trigger foods, late eating, caffeine and alcohol, as these can reduce effectiveness. Some people develop tolerance after long use, so switching to a PPI may work better. If symptoms return frequently or worsen, assessment may be needed to rule out ulcers or oesophagitis.

  • Can I drink alcohol or coffee while using famotidine?

    Yes, but alcohol and caffeine can trigger reflux even while taking famotidine. They relax the valve above the stomach and increase acid production. Limiting large coffees, spicy meals and alcohol can improve symptom control. Famotidine still works, but reducing triggers makes treatment more effective.

  • Does famotidine help with reflux cough or throat irritation?

    Famotidine can help if symptoms are caused by acid reaching the throat, especially after meals or at night. It may reduce coughing, hoarseness or a lump sensation. If symptoms persist despite treatment, reflux may not be the only cause and further assessment may be needed.

  • Is famotidine suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

    Famotidine is sometimes used in pregnancy, but antacids or alginates are usually recommended first. Breastfeeding is generally considered safe with famotidine, but individual circumstances vary. Always check with a clinician before starting treatment during pregnancy or postpartum.

  • Can famotidine be used with NSAIDs like ibuprofen?

    Yes. Famotidine can help reduce stomach irritation caused by NSAIDs, although PPIs are usually preferred for stronger protection. If you regularly use ibuprofen or naproxen, a clinician may recommend a different treatment plan to lower ulcer risk.

  • How long should I use famotidine before considering a PPI instead?

    If symptoms do not improve after several days of correct use, or return frequently, switching to a PPI may provide stronger relief. PPIs offer long-lasting acid control and are often recommended for recurrent or severe reflux. A clinician can guide the transition and review long-term options.