Famotidine: Uses, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions

# Famotidine Overview Famotidine is a medication used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers. It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces, which helps relieve the burning feeling in your chest and throat caused by acid reflux. People also use it to prevent ulcers and to treat conditions where the stomach makes too much acid. You can buy famotidine over-the-counter at lower doses, or your doctor can prescribe stronger doses if you need them for more serious conditions. Before taking famotidine, it's important to tell your doctor about any other medicines you're taking, especially a muscle relaxer called tizanidine, because famotidine can make that drug build up dangerously in your body. Also, famotidine can change how your stomach absorbs certain other medications, so some drugs may not work as well when taken together. If you have kidney problems or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using this medication. Most people tolerate famotidine well with few side effects, but always follow the dosage instructions on the package or from your doctor to use it safely.