Heartburn Relief

Heartburn Relief is an H2-blocker used for the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD happens when gastric acid washes back up into the esophagus.

This drug can also be used in conditions causing hyperacidity such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, or endocrine tumors. This drug works by blocking vagal stimulation of the stomach resulting in decreased production of acid.

This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Heartburn Relief, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Allergies

Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reactions or contraindications.

Age-specific problems

Studies in children and elderly have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific or geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of Famotidine. Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney problems.

Pregnancy

Animal studies have not reported any harm to the fetus while studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Risks to fetus have not been associated with the use of this drug.

Breastfeeding

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases, inquire with your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

• Amifampridine
• Bepridil
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Mesoridazine
• Pimozide
• Piperaquine
• Saquinavir
• Sparfloxacin
• Terfenadine
• Thioridazine
• Ziprasidone
• Amiodarone
• Anagrelide
• Aripiprazole
• Arsenic Trioxide
• Atazanavir
• Bupropion
• Buserelin
• Clarithromycin
• Clozapine
• Crizotinib
• Dabrafenib
• Dasatinib
• Degarelix
• Delamanid
• Delavirdine
• Deslorelin
• Domperidone
• Donepezil
• Escitalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Gefitinib
• Gonadorelin
• Goserelin
• Histrelin
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Ivabradine
• Ketoconazole
• Ledipasvir
• Leuprolide
• Levofloxacin
• Metronidazole
• Moxifloxacin
• Nafarelin
• Ondansetron
• Panobinostat
• Pasireotide
• Pazopanib
• Quetiapine
• Rilpivirine
• Sevoflurane
• Tacrolimus
• Tizanidine
• Tolazoline
• Triptorelin
• Vandetanib
• Vemurafenib
• Vinflunine
• Vismodegib
• Cefditoren
• Pivoxil
• Cefpodoxime
• Proxetil
• Cyclosporine

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider about any other medical problems such as kidney disease.

Proper usage of Heartburn Relief requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Take this drug for the full time of treatment to ensure complete drug therapy and prevent any relapses. Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon or drug cup.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

For stomach ulcers

• Adults with stomach ulcers are given 20 milligrams one or two times per day or 40 mg once a day at bedtime.

• Teenagers and children above 1 year of age with stomach ulcers are dosed based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional. The starting dose is usually 0.5 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day, given as a single dose at bedtime or divided in two doses.

The dose must not exceed 40 mg per day.

For gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are given 20 milligrams two times per day.

• The dose in teenagers and children above 1 year of age is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional. The starting dose is usually 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day, divided and given two times per day. The dose must not exceed 40 mg two times per day.

• The dose in infants 3 months to 1 year of age is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional. The usual dose is 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day, divided and given two times per day.

• The dose in infants younger than 3 months of age is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional. The usual dose is 0.5 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day, given as a single dose once a day.

For erosive esophagitis

• Adults with erosive esophagitis are given 10, 20, or 40 milligrams two times per day.

• The dose in teenagers and children above 1 year of age is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional. The starting dose is usually 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day, divided and given two times per day. The dose must not exceed 40 mg two times per day.

For hyperacidity 

• Adults with hyperacidity secondary to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are given 20 milligrams every 6 hours. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose as needed.

• Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

Missed dose

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Storage

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Before using Heartburn Relief, there are some precautions you must take.

Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness and unwanted effects of the drug.

Consult with your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse within a few days.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Heartburn Relief. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given, if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• Bleeding gums
• Blistering, Peeling, or Loosening of the skin
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Bloody, Black, or Tarry stools
• Chest pain
• Chills
• Cough or Hoarseness
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Fever with or without chills
• General feeling of tiredness or weakness
• High fever
• Itching
• Joint or Muscle pain
• Lower back or side pain
• Painful or Difficult urination
• Pale skin
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin
• Red, Irritated eyes
• Red skin lesions
• Often with a purple center
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Sores, Ulcers, or White spots on the lips or in the mouth
• Swollen glands
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Abdominal or Stomach pain
• Anxiety
• Burning
• Crawling
• Itching
• Numbness
• Prickling, "Pins and Needles" or Tingling feelings
• Clay-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Depression
• Difficulty with breathing
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fainting
• False sense of well-being
• Fast, Irregular, Pounding, or Racing heartbeat or pulse
• Headache
• Hives
• Hyperventilation
• Irritability
• Large, Hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• Loss of appetite, Loss of bladder control, Loss of consciousness
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Noisy breathing
• Personality changes
• Puffiness or Swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Rash
• Restlessness
• Seizures, Shaking
• Skin rash, swelling around the eyes
• Tightness in the chest
• Total body jerking
• Trouble with sleeping
• Troubled with breathing
• Unpleasant breath odor
• Vision changes
• Vomiting of blood
• Wheezing
• Yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional.

Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.