Famotidine

SPC §4.2 (adults and the elderly): duodenal ulcers and benign gastric ulcers 40 mg once before going to bed, treatment for 4-8 weeks (continue a further 4 weeks if not endoscopically healed at 4 weeks). Prophylaxis of recurrent duodenal ulcer: 20 mg in the evening (maintenance shown effective over 12 months). Symptomatic mild reflux oesophagitis: 20 mg twice daily, generally for 6 weeks, if necessary 12 weeks. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: if not previously on acid-inhibiting treatment, start 20 mg every 6 hours, then adjust to acid secretion and clinical response (e.g. <10 mEq/h in the hour before the next dose); if 800 mg/day does not sufficiently inhibit acid secretion, consider alternative therapy as there is no experience above 800 mg/day. Patients switching from another H2-receptor antagonist may start at a higher initial dose. Swallow tablets whole with liquid; may be taken independently of meals. Determine H. pylori status in duodenal and benign gastric ulcer and eradicate where possible. Paediatric population: safety and efficacy of the 20 mg film-coated tablets in children have not been established, so children should not be treated with this product - no weight-based dose is given; verify against a children's formulary.