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Famotidine tablets are a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist (H2 blocker) that works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes.
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Famotidine is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist, commonly known as an H2 blocker, prescribed for the relief of acid reflux, heartburn and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), as well as for healing and preventing stomach and duodenal ulcers. Your online consultation with Access Doctor will help determine if famotidine is right for you and which strength and dosing schedule you need.
If you have severe kidney problems: speak to your prescriber, as your dose may need to be adjusted.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding: famotidine is not recommended unless your doctor has specifically advised it.
If you have difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, blood in your vomit, or black stools: see a doctor before starting treatment, as these can be signs of a more serious condition.
If you are taking other medicines: check with a pharmacist, as famotidine can affect how well some other drugs are absorbed.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the patient information leaflet inside the pack.
| Type of medicine | H2 receptor antagonist (H2 blocker) |
| Used for | Acid reflux, heartburn, GORD, and stomach/duodenal ulcers |
| Available strengths | 20mg and 40mg tablets |
| Onset of action | Around 30–60 minutes |
| Duration of effect | Up to 12 hours |
| Typical dosing | 20mg twice daily or 40mg once daily at bedtime (reflux); 40mg once daily at bedtime for 4–8 weeks (ulcer healing) |
Famotidine belongs to a class of medicines called H2 receptor antagonists, often shortened to H2 blockers. It works by blocking histamine H2 receptors in the lining of the stomach, which reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. This helps relieve symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn, and allows any irritation or ulceration in the stomach and gullet to heal. Famotidine is often compared with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, which reduce acid through a different mechanism. Famotidine generally starts working faster than a PPI, within around 30 to 60 minutes, but its effects last for a shorter period of up to about 12 hours, whereas a PPI's effect tends to build up and last longer with regular use.
Famotidine is used for the symptomatic relief of acid reflux, heartburn and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and for the treatment and healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers. It's also used to help prevent ulcers from coming back.
Famotidine is an H2 blocker, while omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) — they reduce stomach acid in different ways. Famotidine tends to start working faster, but a PPI's effect generally lasts longer.
Famotidine usually starts working within around 30 to 60 minutes, with effects lasting for up to about 12 hours.
Famotidine isn't recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless your doctor has specifically advised it, so it's important to discuss this with your prescriber first.
If you miss a dose of famotidine, simply skip it and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Try to avoid taking antacids within 1 to 2 hours of your famotidine dose, as this can affect how well it's absorbed.
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