Famotidine is a medication used to manage conditions caused by excessive stomach acid production. The drug functions as a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist, blocking the action of histamine on the parietal cells of the stomach lining. This action reduces the volume and acidity of gastric secretions, providing relief and promoting healing. Understanding the visual characteristics of the pill is important for confirming the correct medication and dosage.
Identifying Characteristics by Dosage
The physical appearance of a famotidine tablet varies depending on the dosage strength and the specific manufacturer. The over-the-counter (OTC) strength, often 10mg, is commonly a small, round, or biconvex tablet. These lower-dose tablets are frequently white or pale yellow and feature an imprint code that identifies the drug and strength.
The 20mg strength is available in both OTC and prescription forms and displays a variety of appearances. Some manufacturers produce the 20mg pill as a yellow, rounded square-shaped tablet debossed with specific codes. Other versions may be round and white with an imprint like “L194,” or beige or brown with a different numerical imprint.
Higher-strength prescription tablets, such as the 40mg dose, are often white, though they can also be tan. A common 40mg white tablet might be rounded square-shaped and biconvex, with distinct imprint codes like “CC” and “61” to confirm the strength and manufacturer. Another version may be round and tan with a specific logo and numerical imprint. The imprint code on any pill is the most reliable identifier and should always be cross-referenced with pharmacy information.
Understanding Famotidine’s Therapeutic Role
Famotidine is classified as an H2 antagonist, meaning it competes with histamine to block the H2 receptors found on the stomach’s parietal cells. Blocking these receptors suppresses the signals that stimulate the proton pumps to secrete acid into the stomach lumen. This reduction in gastric acid output forms the basis of its therapeutic effectiveness.
The medication is prescribed to treat gastrointestinal disorders linked to excessive acid production. These include active duodenal ulcers, benign gastric ulcers, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Famotidine is also indicated for treating pathological hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
The use of famotidine differs based on the dosage. Lower doses are typically available over-the-counter for the treatment or prevention of occasional heartburn. Higher doses (20mg and 40mg) are reserved for prescription use to treat chronic and severe conditions like active ulcers or erosive esophagitis.
Safe Storage and Verification
Proper storage of famotidine tablets is important to maintain their stability and effectiveness. The medication should be kept at room temperature, ideally between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It must be protected from excessive moisture, heat, and light. Storing the tablets in a dry location helps prevent degradation of the active ingredients.
Patients should verify the appearance of their pills against the information provided by the pharmacist or on the prescription label. The pill’s color, shape, and especially the imprint code must match the expected medication. If a tablet appears cracked, discolored, or is missing a clear imprint, it should not be consumed.
If a pill is damaged or looks significantly different from previous refills, the patient should contact their pharmacist or healthcare provider before taking it. This step ensures that a potential dispensing error or drug integrity issue is addressed. All unused medication should be discarded after the expiration date.