Although hives, a scratchy throat, and constant sneezing are common allergy symptoms, many things could trigger them. From dust and pollen in the air to medications, you’ll never know what causes your body’s reactions until it happens.
Though many people in the US deal with allergies daily, there is no cure—just treatments to help ease symptoms. Luckily for these sufferers of sneezing and throat tightening, medications such as generic loratadine and cetirizine are used. Still, limited research suggests that Famotidine can also provide additional relief from your allergy troubles.
What is Famotidine?
Famotidine is a medication that decreases stomach acid production and is widely used in peptic acid disease. It is typically used to treat peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Famotidine belongs to a group of antihistamines (H2) that works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces. Famotidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Can it be used for allergies?
The antihistamines like H1 receptor blockers are used primarily to treat allergic reactions, including urticaria, rhinitis, dermatitis, itching, etc. However, recent studies have shown that histamine H2-receptor blockers like Famotidine may also help treat urticaria. In addition, some studies suggest that a combination of H1 and H2 blockers can help treat urticaria when the H1 blockers alone don’t work.
Famotidine Dosage: Why take Famotidine at night?
The dose depends on the condition and age of the patient. Still, the usual short-term adult recommended dose for peptic, gastric and duodenal ulcer is 40mg at bedtime for up to one month and 20 mg daily for long-term therapy. While for GERD, you will need to take 20mg twice daily for six weeks. It is mainly used at night to reduce gastric acidity during the night and morning time.
Famotidine Price
The cost of Famotidine varies depending on the pharmacy and your insurance plan, but it’s usually less expensive without one. For example, a pack of 20mg tablets can cost you $36.28.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t take Famotidine for allergies?
Famotidine is generally well tolerated, with the most common side effects being headache, dizziness, and constipation.
It should not be used in people with kidney or liver disease, a history of Long QT syndrome (a condition that can cause abnormal heart rhythms), stomach cancer, or younger than 12 years old. Famotidine should not be taken by these groups unless needed.
Also, if you are already taking other medications, It may interact with other medicines & vitamins, which may harm your body.
Is Famotidine safe—Side Effects?
One of the potential side effects of Famotidine is anxiety. You must talk to your doctor if you experience anxiety while taking this medication. Other side effects of Famotidine include blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; blood in the urine or stools; bloody, black, or tarry stools; difficulty breathing; discouragement; fast, irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse; feeling sad or empty. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor.
Bottom Line
Although famotidine is not currently FDA-approved for allergies, the current research suggests that it may be helpful. If you are interested in trying famotidine for allergies, please speak with your doctor to ensure it is the right choice.