Famotidine and heart palpitations: what to know

Palpitations can feel like racing, fluttering, pounding, or skipped beats. They may occur briefly after stress, caffeine, poor sleep, or exertion. Dehydration, low blood sugar, an overactive thyroid, or Anaemia can also make the heartbeat feel more noticeable.

A rhythm problem such as Atrial Fibrillation is another possibility, especially when episodes are irregular or persistent. The sensation alone cannot identify the cause, and it does not prove that famotidine is responsible. A clinician may review the timing, medicines, pulse, blood pressure, and relevant tests.

Note when palpitations start, how long they last, whether the rhythm feels regular, and what you were doing. Record missed doses, new medicines, caffeine, illness, fluid intake, and symptoms such as dizziness. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without discussing it with a clinician or pharmacist.

Arrange a review if the episodes recur, last longer than usual, or began after a dose or medicine change. Mention conditions such as Heart Failure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or Iron Deficiency Anaemia.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, or marked weakness. Seek urgent assessment for a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat, or palpitations with confusion or severe dizziness.

Ask whether you need an ECG, blood tests, or a medicine review; whether famotidine should be continued; and how to measure and record your pulse during an episode.