H2-receptor antagonist
Famotidine drug interactions: a practical overview
Drug interactions are the single biggest cause of preventable medication problems. Famotidine (Famotidine) interacts to varying degrees with several classes of medication and with a smaller list of foods. This page summarises the practically important ones at 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, framed for a real-world prescription review rather than an exhaustive PDF list.
High-priority interactions for Famotidine
For Famotidine, the most clinically relevant interactions are typically with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, with cardiovascular medications (notably nitrates for several H2-receptor antagonist agents), with central nervous system depressants, and with medications affecting blood pressure or heart rate. Famotidine reversibly and competitively blocks histamine H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells, reducing both basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion.
Working with the pharmacist
A pharmacist review of all current medications is the practical safeguard against unintended interactions with Famotidine. According to the prescribing information for Famotidine, the full medication list — prescription, OTC, supplements and recreational substances — should be reviewed before starting and at every dose change at 10mg, 20mg, 40mg.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most important Famotidine interaction to know? ▾
For most H2-receptor antagonist medications, the highest-priority interaction is with nitrate medications used for chest pain — this combination is often a hard contraindication. After that, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (some antifungals, macrolides) are the next concern at routine 10mg, 20mg, 40mg doses.
Do I need to tell the pharmacist about supplements? ▾
Yes. Supplements and herbal products can interact with Famotidine in ways that prescription drug-drug interaction databases miss. The pharmacist needs the complete picture — including supplements like St John's Wort, grapefruit-containing products and high-dose vitamins — to flag risks at 10mg, 20mg, 40mg.
Products containing Famotidine
More on Famotidine
- With alcoholFamotidine and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Famotidine be taken with food?
- Side effectsFamotidine side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- Dosage guideFamotidine dosage guide: how much to take and when
- OnsetHow fast does Famotidine start working?
- DurationHow long does Famotidine last?
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.