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Famotidine
Famotidine (Pepcid)
Famotidine
(fah-
MOH-tih-deen)
Pregnancy Category: B
Apo-Famotidine
Gen-Famotidine
Novo-Famotidine
Nu-Famotidine
Pepcid
Pepcid AC Acid Controller
Pepcid IV
Pepcid RPD
(Rx) (Pepcid AC is OTC)
Classification:
Histamine H
2 receptor antagonist
See Also:
See also
Histamine H
2 Antagonists
[.
]
Action/Kinetics:
Competitive inhibitor of histamine H
2 receptors leading to inhibition of gastric acid secretion. Both basal and nocturnal gastric acid secretion and secretion stimulated by food or pentagastrin are inhibited.
Peak plasma levels: 1-3 hr.
t
1/2: 2.5-3.5 hr.
Onset: 1 hr.
Duration: 10-12 hr. Does not inhibit the cytochrome P-450 system in the liver; thus, drug interactions due to inhibition of liver metabolism are not expected to occur. From 25% to 30% of a PO dose is eliminated through the kidney unchanged; from 65% to 70% of an IV dose is excreted through the kidney unchanged.
Uses:
Rx: Treatment of active duodenal ulcers. Maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer, at reduced dosage, after active ulcer has healed. Pathologic hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or multiple endocrine adenomas. GERD, including erosive esophagitis. Treatment of benign gastric ulcer.
Investigational: Prevent aspiration pneumonitis, for prophylaxis of stress ulcers, prevent acute upper GI bleeding, as part of multidrug therapy to eradicate
Helicobacter pylori.
OTC: Relief of and prevention of the symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
Contraindications:
Cirrhosis of the liver, impaired renal or hepatic function, lactation.
Special Concerns:
Safety and efficacy in children have not been established.
Side Effects:
GI: Constipation, diarrhea, N&V;, anorexia, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort.
CNS: Dizziness, headache, paresthesias, depression, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, insomnia, fatigue, sleepiness, agitation,
grand mal seizure psychic disturbances.
Skin: Rash, acne, pruritus, alopecia, urticaria, dry skin, flushing.
CV: Palpitations.
Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, asthenia, musculoskeletal pain.
Hematologic: Thrombocytopenia.
Other: Fever, orbital edema, conjunctival injection, bronchospasm, tinnitus, taste disorders, decreased libido, impotence, pain at injection site (transient).
Drug Interactions:
-
Antacids /
 Famotidine absorption from the GI tract
-
Diazepam /
Diazepam absorption from the GI tract
How Supplied:
Chewable Tablet: 10 mg;
Freeze-Dried Lyophilized Tablet: 20 mg, 40 mg;
Injection: 10 mg/mL;
Powder for Reconstitution: 40 mg/5 mL;
Tablet: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
Dosage
?Oral Suspension, Tablets
Duodenal ulcer, acute therapy.
Adults: 40 mg once daily at bedtime or 20 mg b.i.d. Most ulcers heal within 4 weeks and it is rarely necessary to use the full dosage for 6-8 weeks.
Duodenal ulcer, maintenance therapy.
Adults: 20 mg once daily at bedtime.
Benign gastric ulcers, acute therapy.
Adults: 40 mg at bedtime.
Hypersecretory conditions.
Adults, individualized, initial: 20 mg q 6 hr;
then, adjust dose to response, although doses of up to 160 mg q 6 hr may be required for severe cases.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Adults: 20 mg b.i.d. for 6 weeks. For esophagitis with erosions and ulcerations, give 20 or 40 mg b.i.d. for up to 12 weeks.
Prophylaxis of upper GI bleeding.
Adults: 20 mg b.i.d.
Prophylaxis of stress ulcers.
Adults: 40 mg/day.
Relief of and prevention of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach (OTC).
Adults and children over 12 years of age, for relief: 10 mg (1 tablet) with water.
For prevention: 10 mg 1 hr before eating a meal that may cause symptoms.
Maximum dose: 20 mg/24 hr. Not to be used continuously for more than 2 weeks unless medically prescribed.
?IM, IV, IV Infusion
Hospitalized clients with hypersecretory conditions, duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers; clients unable to take PO medication.
Adults: 20 mg IV q 12 hr.
Before anesthesia to prevent aspiration of gastric acid.
Adults: 40 mg IM or PO. |
