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Famotidine

Drug Information

Famotidine is a member of the H-2 blocker (histamine blocker) family of drugs that prevents the release of acid into the stomach. Famotidine is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Famotidine is available as a prescription drug and as a nonprescription product for relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.

Common brand names:

Pepcid, Pepcid AC

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

What Are Nutrient Interactions
Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

  • Vitamin B12

    Stomach acid is needed for the vitamin B12 in food to be absorbed. H-2 blocker drugs reduce stomach acid and may therefore inhibit absorption of the vitamin B12 naturally present in food. However, the vitamin B12 found in supplements does not depend on stomach acid for absorption.1 Lab tests can determine vitamin B12 levels in people.

  • Iron

    Stomach acid may increase absorption of iron from food. H-2 blocker drugs reduce stomach acid and are associated with decreased dietary iron absorption.2 The iron found in supplements is available to the body without the need for stomach acid. People with ulcers may be iron deficient due to blood loss. If iron deficiency is present, iron supplementation may be beneficial. Iron levels in the blood can be checked with lab tests.

    The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Reduce Side Effects

  • none

Support Medicine

  • none

Reduces Effectiveness

  • none

Potential Negative Interaction

  • none

Explanation Required 

  • Copper

    Some evidence indicates that other vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid3 and copper,4 require the presence of stomach acid for optimal absorption. Long-term use of H-2 blockers may therefore promote a deficiency of these nutrients. Individuals requiring long-term use of H-2 blockers may therefore benefit from a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement.

  • Folic Acid

    Some evidence indicates that other vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid5 and copper,6 require the presence of stomach acid for optimal absorption. Long-term use of H-2 blockers may therefore promote a deficiency of these nutrients. Individuals requiring long-term use of H-2 blockers may therefore benefit from a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement.

  • Magnesium

    In healthy people, a magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide antacid, taken with famotidine, decreased famotidine absorption by 20–25%.7 People can avoid this interaction by taking famotidine two hours before or after any aluminum/magnesium-containing antacids. Some magnesium supplements such as magnesium hydroxide are also antacids.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

References

1. Aymard JP, Aymard B, Netter P, et al. Haematological adverse effects of histamine H2-receptor antagonists. Med Toxicol Adverse Drug Exp 1988;3:430–48.

2. Aymard JP, Aymard B, Netter P, et al. Haematological adverse effects of histamine H2-receptor antagonists. Med Toxicol Adverse Drug Exp 1988;3:430–48.

3. Russell RM, Krasinski SD, Samloff IM. Correction of impaired folic acid (Pte Glu) absorption by orally administered HCl in subjects with gastric atrophy. Am J Clin Nutr 1984;39:656.

4. Tompsett SL. Factors influencing the absorption of iron and copper from the alimentary tract. Biochem J 1940;34:961–9.

5. Russell RM, Krasinski SD, Samloff IM. Correction of impaired folic acid (Pte Glu) absorption by orally administered HCl in subjects with gastric atrophy. Am J Clin Nutr 1984;39:656.

6. Tompsett SL. Factors influencing the absorption of iron and copper from the alimentary tract. Biochem J 1940;34:961–9.

7. Bachmann KA, Sullivan TJ, Jauregui L, et al. Drug interactions of H2-receptor antagonists. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 1994;206:14–9.

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