Famotidine

Mild-to-moderate GORD, heartburn, peptic ulcer treatment and prevention, and as maintenance therapy after PPI step-down.

Famotidine blocks histamine H2 receptors on the stomach’s acid-producing parietal cells. This reduces acid production by about 70% (vs 90%+ for PPIs). It works within 1-3 hours and lasts 10-12 hours.

Adults with mild acid reflux, those stepping down from PPIs, or those who prefer not to use a PPI long-term. Fewer long-term concerns than PPIs. Dose adjustment in kidney impairment.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Famotidine from £12.99 per pack.

Common: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence. Uncommon: dizziness, rash, dry mouth. Long-term use: increased risk of bone fractures, hypomagnesaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, Clostridium difficile infection.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or benzimidazole derivatives. Use with caution in hepatic impairment.

Clopidogrel: omeprazole/esomeprazole reduce its effectiveness - use lansoprazole or pantoprazole instead. Reduces absorption of drugs requiring gastric acid (ketoconazole, itraconazole, atazanavir). Methotrexate: may increase levels.

Omeprazole and lansoprazole: extensive use in pregnancy with no evidence of harm, though use only if necessary. Compatible with breastfeeding.

Take once or twice daily, with or without food. Generally very well-tolerated. Fewer long-term risks than PPIs. Acid tolerance can develop over time (less effective after weeks of continuous use). Can be used ‘on demand’ for occasional heartburn.