Antacid (H2 blocker)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Famotidine is a drug that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces, helping to relieve heartburn and heal stomach ulcers.
Blocks histamine H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells, inhibiting gastric acid secretion and reducing intragastric pH. This decreases acid-related mucosal damage and provides symptomatic relief of heartburn, acid reflux, and peptic ulcer disease.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist — no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
For ulcers, take one 40mg tablet (e.g. Famotab 40) at bedtime, or split as 20mg in the morning and 20mg at night. For heartburn or acid reflux, take 20mg twice daily. You can take it with or without food. Treatment usually lasts 4 to 8 weeks depending on your condition.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.
Buy only from registered pharmacies and not from roadside sellers — fake stomach drugs are common. Do not use famotidine for more than 2 weeks for heartburn without seeing a doctor, as your symptoms may be caused by something more serious. Do not share your medication with others even if they have similar symptoms.
Famotidine can reduce how well certain antifungal drugs like ketoconazole and itraconazole work because they need stomach acid to be absorbed. If you are taking blood thinners or HIV medications, let your doctor know. Avoid taking alcohol as it can worsen stomach acid problems and cancel out the benefit of the drug.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Famotidine with your other drugs?
Consult your doctor before taking famotidine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding — it should only be used if clearly needed.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep it away from moisture and out of children's reach.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.