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Can I take omeprazole in the morning and famotidine at night?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on June 20, 2022.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, you could take omeprazole in the morning and famotidine at night but there are not many studies investigating this approach. Preliminary results suggest that taking your medication this way may provide superior control of gastric acid secretion at night without compromising the effectiveness of omeprazole in the morning. More research is needed.

One small study that looked at the combination of famotidine and omeprazole as a single pill reported a shortening of the time to reach a more favorable gut ph of >4 and a longer duration of effect. Another study that used Pepcid Complete (a combination formulation that contains famotidine and 2 antacids, calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide) reported that omeprazole in the morning and Pepcid Complete at night were superior than omeprazole morning and night.

References
  • Fändriks L, Lönroth H, Pettersson A, Vakil N. Can famotidine and omeprazole be combined on a once-daily basis? Scand J Gastroenterol. 2007 Jun;42(6):689-94. doi: 10.1080/00365520601026665. PMID: 17505990.
  • New Study Finds Nocturnal Acid Breakthrough Better Controlled With OTC Combination Heartburn Product Than Second Dose of Prescription PPI https://johnsonandjohnson.gcs-web.com/static-files/011fbc97-b98b-4a0d-aed9-af689a4fbf64

Read next

Pantoprazole and omeprazole are both medicines from the class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The approved uses for pantoprazole and omeprazole differ slightly, but they are all disorders related to too much stomach acid. Continue reading

Famotidine is usually the first choice to treat occasional heartburn if your symptoms occur less than two times per week. It can be used as needed, provides quick relief (within 15 to 30 minutes), and is usually less expensive than omeprazole. Omeprazole may be an option if your heartburn occurs two or more days per week. Both products are available without a prescription. Continue reading

You can take an antacid with omeprazole if you are still getting symptoms of indigestion because it can take several days for omeprazole to start working. Take omeprazole as directed (usually taken once daily on an empty stomach), and take antacids as needed to relieve indigestion pain after eating. But tell your doctor if several weeks have gone past and omeprazole does not seem to be working or you are still taking antacids. Continue reading

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