What are the discharge instructions for a 42-year-old female with right upper abdominal pain starting on Pepcid (Famotidine) with a follow-up tomorrow?

From the Guidelines

For a 42-year-old female with right upper abdominal pain starting on Pepcid (famotidine), I recommend taking 20 mg of famotidine twice daily, once in the morning and once at night, as suggested by the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of functional dyspepsia 1. While awaiting your follow-up appointment tomorrow, maintain a bland diet avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and fatty meals that could worsen symptoms. Some key points to consider include:

• Staying well-hydrated with water throughout the day
• Avoiding NSAIDs like ibuprofen which may irritate the stomach
• Resting as needed
• Being aware of symptoms that could indicate a more serious condition, such as severe pain, fever, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin/eyes, which would require immediate medical attention 1. It's also important to note that famotidine works by reducing stomach acid production, which can help relieve pain caused by acid-related conditions, though your doctor will determine the exact cause of your symptoms at tomorrow's follow-up appointment. Key considerations for your follow-up appointment include:
• Discussing your symptoms and medical history with your doctor
• Reviewing your lab results and determining the next steps in your care
• Potentially undergoing further testing, such as a stool test or breath test to look for a stomach infection called H. pylori, as recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

• Take Famotidine once daily before bedtime or twice daily in the morning and before bedtime, as recommended. • Famotidine tablets may be taken with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. • Famotidine tablets may be given with antacids.

The discharge instructions for a 42-year-old female with right upper abdominal pain starting on Pepcid (Famotidine) are to:

• Take Famotidine as directed, either once daily before bedtime or twice daily in the morning and before bedtime
• Famotidine can be taken with or without food
• Famotidine can be given with antacids
• Follow up with the PCP tomorrow as scheduled 2 2

From the Research

Discharge Instructions

• The patient, a 42-year-old female, is being discharged with a diagnosis of right upper abdominal pain, described as a dull ache, and is being started on Pepcid (Famotidine) 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The patient is scheduled for a follow-up appointment with her primary care physician (PCP) tomorrow to review lab results and assess her condition.
• In the meantime, the patient should take the prescribed Pepcid as directed and monitor her symptoms.

Medication Management

• Pepcid (Famotidine) is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production 4, 5, 6.
• The patient should take the prescribed dose of Pepcid, which is likely 20 mg or 40 mg twice daily, as directed by her physician.
• The patient should be aware of the potential side effects of Pepcid, such as headache, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Follow-up Care

• The patient is scheduled for a follow-up appointment with her PCP tomorrow to review her lab results and assess her condition 7.
• The patient should be prepared to discuss her symptoms, medication adherence, and any concerns she may have.
• The patient may undergo further testing, such as imaging studies, to determine the cause of her abdominal pain if her symptoms persist or worsen.

Additional Recommendations

• The patient should seek immediate medical attention if she experiences severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or difficulty breathing 7.
• The patient should also contact her physician if she has any questions or concerns about her medication or follow-up care.