The white round pill with the imprint L194 has been identified as Famotidine 20 mg supplied by Major Pharmaceuticals Inc. Famotidine is used in the treatment of gerd; erosive esophagitis; duodenal ulcer; cutaneous mastocytosis; duodenal ulcer prophylaxis and belongs to the drug class H2 antagonists. However, Omeprazole is more effective than famotidine for the control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms in H. pylori-negative patients.
How L194 Pill works
L194 pill decreases the amount of acid the stomach produces and is used to treat certain gastrointestinal conditions characterized by high acid production. Famotidine reduces the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach by blocking the effect of histamine on histamine H2-receptors located on the parietal cells lining the stomach wall. Histamine is the chemical transmitter that stimulates the parietal cells to release gastric acid. By blocking H2 receptors, L194 pill prevents histamine from having this effect, thereby reducing gastric acid secretion.
L194 pill starts to suppress gastric acid within an hour of taking. The maximum effect depends on the dose and occurs within one to three hours. The effect of L194 pill lasts for 10 to 12 hours after a single dose. Peak effects are reached within one to three hours of taking a dose. Symptomatic relief for GERD occurs within 24 hours after starting therapy with famotidine.
One dose of L194 pill substantially inhibits the secretion of gastric acid for 10 to 12 hours. Food does not appear to affect the absorption of famotidine or peak concentrations.
How to Use L194 Pill
To treat heartburn and acid indigestion, take 1 tablet or capsule with a glass of water as needed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets and capsules whole without chewing. If you are using the chewable tablets, chew completely and swallow one tablet as needed. Do not swallow whole. Famotidine can be taken with or without food.
To prevent heartburn and acid indigestion, take famotidine 15-60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that can cause indigestion.
Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Stop taking this medication and call your doctor promptly if your symptoms continue after you begin taking it, or if they do not improve after you have been taking this medication for 14 days in a row. Do not take this medication for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor.
L194 Pill Side Effects
Headache, constipation or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills), mental/mood changes (e.g., restlessness, confusion, depression, hallucinations).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, seizure.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
Medicines that interact with L194 pill may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with L194 pill. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.
Common medications that may interact with L194 pill include:
- anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as warfarin, or other drugs that have blood-thinning effects such as aspirin or NSAIDs
- antifungals, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole
- cancer treatments, such as bosutinib, dabrafenib, dasatinib, erlotinib, neratinib, or pazopanib
- epilepsy medications, such as carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, or phenytoin
- fentanyl
- hepatitis medications, such as boceprevir, ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, and telaprevir
- HIV medications (eg, atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, or saquinavir)
- iron supplements, such as ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous sulfate
- loperamide
- metformin
- multivitamins
- theophylline
Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with L194 pill. You should refer to the prescribing information for famotidine for a complete list of interactions.
The white round pill with the imprint L194 has been identified as Famotidine 20 mg supplied by Major Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Famotidine is used in the treatment of gerd; erosive esophagitis; duodenal ulcer; cutaneous mastocytosis; duodenal ulcer prophylaxis and belongs to the drug class H2 antagonists. However, Omeprazole is more effective than famotidine for the control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms in H. pylori-negative patients.
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