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Get quick relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux with Famotidine. The treatment gets to work fast by neutralising and decreasing stomach acid, and its beneficial effects last up to 12 hours. Famotidine is a great alternative to Ranitidine which has long-term availability issues.
It’s easy to buy Famotidine through The Independent Pharmacy — simply complete a free online health assessment for review by one of our clinical team and, once approved, we’ll send your medication directly to your door.
Famotidine falls under a class of medications known as H2 receptor antagonists. It acts quickly to neutralise stomach acid, reducing the pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating caused by an excess of stomach acid and acid reflux. It is also sometimes prescribed to treat stomach ulcers.
Famotidine tablets are available in both 20mg and 40mg strengths, and may also be used in the treatment of other conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Histamine is a natural substance that is released in response to various stimuli, such as food or stress. When histamine binds to the H2 receptors in the stomach lining, it stimulates the production of stomach acid. This process doesn’t usually cause any issues, but excessive production of stomach acid can lead to conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.
Famotidine works by blocking the action of histamine on the H2 receptors. By blocking this action, Famotidine reduces the amount of stomach acid produced. This can help to treat acid reflux and reduce the symptoms of heartburn, and peptic ulcers.
Famotidine tablets get to work within seconds of being swallowed, helping to noticeably relieve symptoms of excessive stomach acid within 15-30 minutes. The effects of just 1 tablet can last for 12 - 24 hours.
At The Independent Pharmacy, we stock a wide range of medications suitable for reducing the symptoms of excess stomach acid and acid reflux.
Ranitidine is the closest alternative to Famotidine, which works in the same way to reduce the production of stomach acid. Other treatment options include:
Here's a table comparing Famotidine to some of the most popular alternatives:
Medication | Drug Class | Mechanism of Action | Common Uses | Dosage Forms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Famotidine | H2 Antagonist | Blocks histamine receptors in the stomach, reducing acid production | Heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | Oral tablet, oral suspension, injection |
Ranitidine | H2 Antagonist | Blocks histamine receptors in the stomach, reducing acid production | Heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | Oral tablet, oral capsule, oral syrup, injection |
Omeprazole | Proton Pump Inhibitor | Blocks the enzyme responsible for acid production in the stomach | Heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | Oral capsule, oral tablet, oral suspension |
Lansoprazole | Proton Pump Inhibitor | Blocks the enzyme responsible for acid production in the stomach | Heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | Oral capsule, oral tablet, oral suspension |
Gaviscon | Antacid | Neutralizes stomach acid | Heartburn, acid reflux | Oral tablet, oral suspension, chewable tablet |
For more information about alternative acid reflux and heartburn treatments please take a look at our advice page.
No, famotidine is not a PPI (proton pump inhibitor). Famotidine belongs to a class of medications called H2 blockers (histamine H2-receptor antagonists), which work by reducing the production of stomach acid.
PPIs, on the other hand, work by blocking the proton pumps in the stomach that produce acid. Some examples of PPIs include omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole.
Famotidine is commonly used at night to alleviate nighttime acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, coughing, and chest discomfort. Taking Famotidine before bed can help to reduce stomach acid production while you sleep, promoting restful sleep and reducing the likelihood of any nighttime disturbances.
No - Famotidine is a prescription-only medication. You can conveniently consult with The Independent Pharmacy to ensure that this treatment is suitable for you. A prescription will then be written and the treatment sent to you, with fast, secure delivery.
Your prescribed dosage of Famotidine will vary depending on the condition you’re treating and its severity.
No matter what dose you’re prescribed, always follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Taking too much famotidine or taking it for too long can increase the risk of side effects.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. It is not advisable to suddenly stop taking this medication, especially if you suffer from gastric ulcers.
The active ingredient is Famotidine 20 or 40 mg.
The inactive ingredients may contain lactose.
This medication is generic, meaning that we source it from various suppliers and manufacturers. Although the active ingredient will always be as stated, we cannot guarantee the exact non-active ingredients of the medication. As such, it is important that you read the pack ingredients in full if you have any allergies.
Like any medication, Famotidine may cause unwanted side effects in some individuals. Although these side effects are typically mild and will often improve on their own, it's important to speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. They can provide advice on how to manage or reduce any side effects, and determine if the medication is still appropriate for you.
The most common side effects include:
It's important to be aware of the signs of a potential allergic reaction or severe side effects when taking Famotidine. If you experience any symptoms such as skin rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or blistering, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention.
For a full rundown of all possible Famotidine side effects please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.
Before taking Famotidine it’s important to be aware of the following warnings:
Do not take Famotidine if:
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Famotidine if:
Famotidine is known to interact with other medications, including:
You must speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication if you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding.
We think accessing healthcare should be easy. Whether we’re fulfilling NHS prescriptions or helping people find the right treatments, we aim to offer our customers dependable, economical and convenient access to medicines with a personal and discreet service.
Visit our Acid Reflux & Heartburn page for treatments, advice and FAQs.
