Drug Class: H2-Receptor Antagonist | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Famot 20mg Tablet?
Famot 20mg contains Famotidine — an H2-receptor antagonist that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. It works by blocking histamine H2 receptors on the acid-producing cells (parietal cells) of the stomach lining, directly reducing acid secretion. Less stomach acid means less irritation, faster healing of ulcers, and relief from acid-related symptoms like heartburn and indigestion. Famotidine is one of the most widely used and well-tolerated acid-reducing medicines available.
What is Famot 20mg Used For?
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) — acid flowing back into the food pipe causing heartburn and chest discomfort (سینے کی جلن)
- Gastric and duodenal ulcers — treatment and prevention of stomach and small intestine ulcers (معدے کا السر)
- Heartburn and acid indigestion — relief from burning discomfort caused by excess stomach acid
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome — rare condition causing extreme acid overproduction, managed under specialist care
- Prevention of ulcer recurrence — maintenance therapy to stop healed ulcers from returning
How Does Famot 20mg Work?
Stomach acid is triggered by histamine binding to H2 receptors on parietal cells. Famotidine competitively blocks these receptors — preventing histamine from activating acid secretion. Unlike antacids that neutralise acid already produced, Famotidine stops acid production at the source, providing longer-lasting and more consistent relief.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Take exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration without medical advice.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Active duodenal / gastric ulcer | 40mg | Once daily at bedtime |
| Ulcer maintenance / prevention | 20mg | Once daily at bedtime |
| GERD / heartburn | 20mg | Twice daily |
| Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | As directed by specialist | As directed |
- Take with or without food
- For best results, take at the same time each day
- Swallow whole with a full glass of water
Active Ingredient
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Famotidine | 20mg |
Who Should NOT Take Famot 20mg?
- Known allergy to Famotidine or any other H2-receptor antagonist
- Severe kidney disease — dose adjustment required; consult doctor
- Pregnant or breastfeeding — use only if specifically prescribed by doctor
Consult your doctor before use if you have: kidney or liver disease, stomach cancer history (Famotidine can mask symptoms), or are taking medicines that require stomach acid for absorption.
Side Effects
Common:
- Headache or mild dizziness
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Nausea or mild stomach discomfort
- Dry mouth
Serious — seek medical attention immediately:
- Severe allergic reaction — facial swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Confusion or agitation — particularly in elderly or patients with kidney disease
- Irregular heartbeat or chest tightness
- Severe skin reactions — blistering or peeling skin
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Antacids | Reduce Famotidine absorption — take at least 2 hours apart |
| Ketoconazole / Itraconazole | Famotidine reduces their absorption — separate doses |
| Atazanavir (HIV medicine) | Reduced absorption with H2 blockers — avoid combination |
| Probenecid | Increases Famotidine blood levels — kidney monitoring required |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C away from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after expiry date on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How quickly does Famot 20mg start working? Famotidine typically starts reducing stomach acid within 1 hour, with full effect lasting up to 12 hours — making twice-daily dosing effective for most patients.
Q: Can I take Famot 20mg alongside antacids? Yes, but take antacids at least 2 hours apart from Famot — taking them together reduces Famotidine absorption and weakens its effectiveness.
Q: How long do I need to take Famot for an ulcer to heal? Most duodenal ulcers heal within 4–8 weeks — your doctor will confirm healing and advise whether maintenance therapy is needed to prevent recurrence.
Q: Can Famot 20mg mask the symptoms of stomach cancer? Yes — always have persistent stomach symptoms investigated by a doctor before starting long-term acid-suppressing treatment.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This description is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing this medicine. Persistent stomach symptoms should always be medically investigated.