Zactrol

Zactrol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Zactrol is a brand name. Its generic name is Famotidine.

Zactrol Introduction

Zactrol is a medication used to treat and prevent peptic ulcers in the stomach and upper GI tract. Discovering relief of these digestive issues has been made easier with the development of famotidine, thanks to its fast-acting potency for a wide range of digestive issues.

Uses for Zactrol

Zactrol is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It is also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions that cause too much stomach acid production. Zactrol works by blocking the action of histamine in the stomach, which reduces the production of stomach acid.

Mechanism of Action

Zactrol works by inhibiting the action of the hormone histamine in the stomach, which reduces the production of stomach acid. This helps to reduce the amount of acid that can damage the lining of the stomach and intestines and cause open sores. Zactrol can also help the body to absorb more useful vitamins and minerals from food, which is beneficial for good health.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Zactrol usually starts working within 1-2 hours and reaches its peak effect within 4-5 hours. The effects can last up to 24 hours. However, it can take longer for the medication to completely clear the stomach acid.

Absorption

Zactrol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration.

Route of Elimination

Zactrol is metabolized by the liver and eliminated mostly in the feces. A small amount of the drug is also excreted in urine.

Dosage

The recommended dose of famotidine for adults is 20 mg to 40 mg taken twice a day or 40 mg once a day for duodenal ulcers. For GERD, the recommended dose is 20 mg to 40 mg taken twice daily. For patients with mild-to-moderate kidney function, the dose should be reduced to 20 mg daily. For prevention of stress-related ulcers, the recommended dose is 40 mg administered twice daily.

Administration

Zactrol is usually taken with a glass of water either before or after meals. If the drug is used for GERD, it might be taken with food. It is important to take the drug as directed by the doctor and not to exceed the recommended dosage.

Side Effect

Common side effects of famotidine include headache, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Less common side effects of famotidine can include difficulty sleeping, confusion, and depression. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Toxicity

Overdose of famotidine can cause severe symptoms, such as drowsiness, confusion, and irregular heart rate. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Precaution

It is important to inform your doctor of any medications that you are currently taking prior to taking famotidine. Additionally, it is important to discuss the risks with your doctor before taking famotidine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any kidney or liver problems.

Interaction

Zactrol can interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor about any medications that you are taking to ensure that they do not interact with famotidine.

Disease Interaction

Zactrol can interact with certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, heart failure, or lupus. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any conditions that you may have prior to taking famotidine.

Drug Interaction

Zactrol can interact with certain medications, such as antifungals, antibiotics, blood thinners, and heart medications. Talk to your doctor about any medications that you are taking to ensure that they do not interact with famotidine.

Food Interactions

Zactrol can interact with certain foods, such as spicy or acidic foods. If you are taking famotidine, it is important to limit yourself to a healthy diet that is low in spicy or acidic foods.

Pregnancy Use

Zactrol is generally safe for use in pregnancy. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks before taking it during pregnancy.

Lactation Use

Zactrol is generally safe for use in lactation. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks before taking it during this time.

Acute Overdose

If you experience any symptoms of an overdose, such as nausea, vomiting, restlessness, confusion, or irregular heart rate, contact your doctor immediately as you may need medical treatment.

Contraindication

Zactrol is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the drug. Talk to your doctor about any allergies that you may have prior to taking famotidine.

Use Direction

Take famotidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the recommended dosage. If you are taking it for GERD, it may be taken with or without food.

Storage Condition

Zactrol should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. Do not store this medication in the bathroom or near any other heat sources.

Volume of Distribution

Zactrol has an estimated volume of distribution of about 0.5 L/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of famotidine is about 1-1.5 hours.

Clearance

Zactrol is cleared from the system by hepatic metabolism and renal excretion. The estimated clearance of the drug is 16 mL/min/kg.

Here you find in details version of Zactrol

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Zactrol

What is Zactrol?

Zactrol is a medication used to treat conditions caused by too much acid in the stomach such as heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

Why is Zactrol used?

Zactrol is used to treat conditions such as acid reflux, GERD, peptic ulcer disease, and gastritis. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces acid production.

How often should Zactrol be taken?

Zactrol is typically taken once or twice daily, depending on the condition being treated. The dose should be taken either 30 minutes before eating or 2 hours after eating.

What are the side effects of Zactrol?

The most common side effects of Zactrol are headache, nausea, constipation, and dizziness. More serious side effects include confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and jaundice.

Are there any drug interactions with Zactrol?

It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking Zactrol with any other medication. Taking Zactrol with certain other medications could increase the risk of side effects or interfere with how the medication works.

What food and drinks should be avoided while taking Zactrol?

Zactrol should be taken with a full glass of water. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zactrol as it can interfere with how the medication works and increase the risk of side effects. 

Can Zactrol be used in children?

Zactrol can be used in children 6 years and older. In children younger than 6 years, Zactrol should be used only with the advice of a healthcare provider. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when giving this medication to a child.

Can Zactrol be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Zactrol should be used with caution during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is important to seek the advice of a healthcare provider before using any medication while pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is the dosage for Zactrol?

The dosage for Zactrol depends on the condition being treated. It may be taken once or twice a day, usually one hour before meals or two hours after meals. It is important to always follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zactrol?

If you miss a dose of Zactrol, take it as soon as you remember. It is important not to take two doses at once. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule.

What should I do if I overdose on Zactrol?

If you think you have taken too much Zactrol, contact your healthcare provider or local poison control center immediately. Common symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Is Zactrol available over-the-counter?

Yes, Zactrol is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Those who purchase Zactrol over-the-counter should follow the instructions on the package labeling and/or speak with a pharmacist for more information about the medication.

Can Zactrol be used for heartburn?

Yes, Zactrol is used to treat heartburn caused by too much acid in the stomach. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces acid production.

Is it safe to take Zactrol every day?

Zactrol is generally considered safe for use every day, provided that it is taken according to the instructions of a healthcare provider or package labeling. Taking more than the recommended dose could increase the risk of adverse effects.

Does Zactrol interact with any foods?

Zactrol should be taken with a full glass of water, and should not be taken with alcohol. There are no known food interactions associated with Zactrol, but it is important to speak with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Can Zactrol be used for gastritis?

Yes, Zactrol is used to treat gastritis. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces acid production. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

What should I do if I experience side effects with Zactrol?

If you experience side effects while taking Zactrol, such as headache, nausea, constipation, or dizziness, contact your healthcare provider. In some cases, side effects may be serious and require medical attention.

Can Zactrol cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a known side effect of Zactrol, although it may be caused by other medications or conditions being treated by Zactrol. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

Is Zactrol the same as omeprazole?

No, Zactrol and omeprazole are different medications. Zactrol works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces acid production. Omeprazole works by blocking the enzyme responsible for producing acid in the stomach.

How long does it take for Zactrol to work?

The effects of Zactrol vary depending on the condition being treated. It should be taken either 30 minutes before eating or 2 hours after eating. It should start to take effect within 1-2 hours. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

Does Zactrol cause hair loss?

Hair loss is not a known side effect of Zactrol, although it may be caused by other medications or conditions being treated by Zactrol. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

Can Zactrol be used for acid reflux?

Yes, Zactrol is used to treat acid reflux. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces acid production. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

What is the difference between Zactrol and ranitidine?

Zactrol and ranitidine are both medications used to treat acid reflux and other conditions involving too much acid in the stomach. Zactrol works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, while ranitidine works by blocking the action of acid-producing cells.

What is the shelf life of Zactrol?

Zactrol has a shelf life of 18 months if stored properly. It should be stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed container away from heat and light.

Can Zactrol be taken with antacids?

It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking Zactrol with any other medication, including antacids. Taking Zactrol with certain other medications could increase the risk of side effects or interfere with how the medication works.

What should I do if I have difficulty swallowing Zactrol?

If you have difficulty swallowing Zactrol, contact your healthcare provider. He or she may be able to recommend alternative medications or other ways to take the medication. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

Can I take Zactrol with ibuprofen?

It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking Zactrol with any other medication, including ibuprofen. Taking Zactrol with certain other medications could increase the risk of side effects or interfere with how the medication works.

Can I take Zactrol with food?

Zactrol should be taken one hour before meals or two hours after meals. It should be taken with a full glass of water. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

What is the generic name for Zactrol?

The generic name for Zactrol is pepcid. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces acid production.

Can Zactrol cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea is not a known side effect of Zactrol, although it may be caused by other medications or conditions being treated by Zactrol. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

What should I do if I have a high fever while taking Zactrol?

If you experience a high fever while taking Zactrol, contact your healthcare provider immediately. High fever can be a sign of an allergic reaction to the medication, and may require medical attention.

Can Zactrol be used for stomach ulcers?

Yes, Zactrol is used to treat stomach ulcers. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces acid production. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

Can Zactrol be used together with antibiotics?

It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking Zactrol with any other medication, including antibiotics. Taking Zactrol with certain other medications could increase the risk of side effects or interfere with how the medication works.

Can Zactrol be used for hiatal hernia?

Yes, Zactrol is used to treat hiatal hernia. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces acid production. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

Can Zactrol cause dry mouth?

Dry mouth is not a known side effect of Zactrol, although it may be caused by other medications or conditions being treated by Zactrol. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

Can Zactrol be used for nausea?

Yes, Zactrol is used to treat nausea caused by too much acid in the stomach. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces acid production. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

Does Zactrol cause constipation?

Constipation is a common side effect of Zactrol. Other common side effects include headache, nausea, and dizziness. More serious side effects include confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and jaundice.

Can Zactrol be taken with Prilosec?

It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking Zactrol with any other medication, including Prilosec. Taking Zactrol with certain other medications could increase the risk of side effects or interfere with how the medication works.

Can Zactrol be used for GERD?

Yes, Zactrol is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces acid production. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

Can I use Zactrol as needed for heartburn?

Yes, Zactrol can be used as needed for heartburn. It works best when taken 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. It is important to always follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when taking any medication, including Zactrol.

Can taking too much Zactrol be dangerous?

Yes, taking too much Zactrol