Also known as: Famotidine
Famotidine is used to treat stomach ulcers (gastric and duodenal), erosive esophagitis (heartburn or acid indigestion), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition where the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus. It is also used to treat certain conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia).
Famotidine belongs to the group of medicines known as histamine H2-receptor antagonists or H2-blockers. It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
This medicine is available with your doctor's prescription and also without a prescription. For the prescription form, there is more medicine in each tablet. Your doctor will have special instructions on the proper use and dose for your medical problem.
This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain famotidine. It may not be specific to Advantac AC. Please read with care.
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For oral dosage forms (suspension, tablets): To prevent an ulcer from coming back: Adults—20 milligrams (mg) once a day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. To treat erosive esophagitis (heartburn): Adults and children weighing 40 kilograms (kg) or more—20 milligrams (mg) 1 or 2 times per day, at the morning and at bedtime, or 40 mg once a day at bedtime for up to 12 weeks. Children weighing less than 40 kg—Use and dose be determined by your doctor. To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Adults and children weighing 40 kilograms (kg) or more—20 milligrams (mg) 2 times per day, in the morning and at bedtime for up to 6 weeks. Children weighing less than 40 kg—Use and dose be determined by your doctor. To treat stomach ulcers: Adults and children weighing 40 kilograms (kg) or more—20 milligrams (mg) 2 times per day, at the morning and at bedtime, or 40 mg once a day at bedtime for up to 8 weeks. Children weighing less than 40 kg—Use and dose be determined by your doctor. To treat too much stomach acid (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome): Adults—20 milligrams (mg) every 6 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fast heart rate, or fainting.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Throw away any unused oral liquid after 30 days.
Detailed Advantac AC dosage information