H2Bloc Special Precautions

General: Do not administer famotidine tablets in cases of minor gastrointestinal complaints.
In case of long-term treatment with high dosage, monitoring of blood count and liver function is recommended.
Patients with Renal Impairment: Central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects have been reported in patients with moderate (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min) and severe (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min) renal impairment. Consequently, longer intervals between doses or lower doses should be used in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (see Dosage and Administration).
Use in Ulcers: Gastric malignancy should be excluded prior to initiation of therapy of gastric ulcer with famotidine. Symptomatic response of gastric ulcer to therapy with famotidine does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy.
In patients with duodenal ulcers and benign gastric ulcers, the H. pylori status should be determined. Wherever possible, patients with H. pylori should undergo eradication therapy to eliminate the bacteria.
In case of long-standing ulcer disease, abrupt withdrawal after symptom relief should be avoided.
Risk of Community- or Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: Agents that elevate gastric pH may increase the risk of community- or hospital-acquired pneumonia. It should be considered that certain patients are at increased risk of developing infections and in these patients pneumonia may be associated with increased mortality. Gastric acid-suppressive drugs should be used in patients in whom community- or hospital-acquired pneumonia may be severe only when clearly needed and the lowest effective dose should be employed.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Famotidine may cause certain adverse effects such as dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, and headache.