Famotidine and ibuprofen

Generic name: famotidine and ibuprofen [ fam-OH-ti-deen-and-EYE-bue-PROE-fen ]
Brand name: Duexis
Dosage form: oral tablet (26.6 mg-800 mg)
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 24, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is famotidine and ibuprofen?

Famotidine decreases the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces hormones that cause inflammation and pain.

Famotidine and ibuprofen is a combination drug. Ibuprofen treats the symptoms of arthritis. Famotidine helps reduce the risk of ulcers in the stomach or intestines that can be caused by long-term use of ibuprofen.

Taking famotidine (Pepcid) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) together does not have the same effect as using the combination medicine.

Famotidine and ibuprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Famotidine and ibuprofen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Ibuprofen may cause serious side effects. Stop using ibuprofen and call your doctor at once if you have:

• changes in your vision;

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;

• fever, headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness;

• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• little or no urination;

• swelling, rapid weight gain;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Some side effects may be more likely in older adults and in people who have severe kidney disease.

Common side effects of famotidine and ibuprofen may include:

• nausea, stomach pain;

• diarrhea, constipation; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, ibuprofen, aspirin, meloxicam, naproxen, Cymbalta, hydroxychloroquine

Warnings

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use famotidine and ibuprofen just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or ibuprofen, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using famotidine and ibuprofen, especially in older adults.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• bleeding problems;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a stomach or intestinal disorder;

• a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, or lupus;

• asthma; or

• if you smoke or drink alcohol.

If you are pregnant, you should not take ibuprofen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Famotidine and ibuprofen is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take famotidine and ibuprofen?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

Famotidine and ibuprofen is usually taken 3 times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not take more than your recommended dose. An ibuprofen overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount of famotidine and ibuprofen needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

If you use famotidine and ibuprofen long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Famotidine and ibuprofen dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

Famotidine 26.6 mg-Ibuprofen 800 mg (1 tablet) orally 3 times a day

Uses: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; and to decrease the risk of developing upper gastrointestinal ulcers, including gastric and/or duodenal ulcer in patients taking ibuprofen for those indications

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Famotidine 26.6 mg-Ibuprofen 800 mg (1 tablet) orally 3 times a day

Uses: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; and to decrease the risk of developing upper gastrointestinal ulcers, including gastric and/or duodenal ulcer in patients taking ibuprofen for those indications

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include weakness, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking famotidine and ibuprofen?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to ibuprofen (such as aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Avoid using other medications that contain ibuprofen.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

What other drugs will affect famotidine and ibuprofen?

Ask your doctor before taking famotidine and ibuprofen if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin), or an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect famotidine and ibuprofen. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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