Famotidine Meaning
Famotidine is a drug that is useful for treating stomach and intestinal ulcers and preventing the disorder from recurring. This drug is also useful in treating certain stomach and throat problems, such as erosive esophagitis, GERD, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
- Drug class: Antireflux drugs.
- Drug category: With or without a doctor’s prescription.
- Indications: Treating and preventing ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Category:
Category B
It may be used by pregnant women. Animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus. However, there is no direct evidence in pregnant women.
- Drug Form: Pills, tablets, and liquids.
Benefits of Famotidine
This drug is useful for reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. In addition, this drug is also able to reduce symptoms, such as coughing that is difficult to cure, stomach ache, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Therefore, Famotidine is a class of drugs that are included in the H2 blocker.
Famotidine Dosage
The dosage of this drug can vary from person to person. The doctor determines how much dose to consume. Well, here are some recommended doses:
Benign Gastric and Duodenal Ulceration Disorders
- Adults: 2 mg every 12 hours by injection over 2 minutes or by infusion over 15-30 minutes.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Children aged 1-16 years: the initial dose is 0.25 mg/kg for 12 hours by injection over 2 minutes or by infusion over 15 minutes.
Hypersecretory Condition
- Adults: Initial dose 20 mg every 6 hours. Dose may be increased to 800 mg daily, as needed.
Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia Disorders
- Adults: 10 or 20 mg.
Benign Gastric and Duodenal Ulceration
- Adults: 40 mg daily in the evening for 4-8 weeks.
- Children 1-16 years: as an oral solution of 0.5 mg/kg at bedtime or in 2 divided doses. The dose may be increased to 40 mg daily.
How to Use Famotidine
Before taking this medicine, it is a good idea to follow the instructions given by your doctor. The doctor’s instructions have considered the benefits received and minimized the risk of side effects. Also, make sure not to take this medicine more often than recommended.
Take this medication once a day, usually right before bedtime. Be sure to take this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Also, never stop taking the medication without your doctor’s approval, as this can delay healing from your ulcer.
If taking Famotidine without a prescription for heartburn, take 1 tablet orally with a glass of water as needed. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor. Also, do not take this medication for more than 14 days in a row without your doctor’s instructions.
Famotidine Caution
There are several things to consider before taking this drug, namely:
- A person who suffers from chronic lung disease and diabetes.
- People who are immunocompromised or intubated.
- Gastric disorders.
- Kidney disorders.
- Children
- Pregnant and lactating women
Famotidine Side Effects
Although rare, there are several side effects that can be felt after taking this drug, namely:
- Headache.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Easy bruising or bleeding.
- Signs of infection.
- Mental or mood changes.
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
- Severe headache.
- Faint.
- Seizures.
Famotidine Interactions
Drug interactions occur by changing the way the drug works or increasing the risk for serious side effects. Be sure not to start, stop, or change the dosage of this medication without your doctor’s approval. Here are some other drugs that can cause interactions:
- Antacids can reduce the absorption of Famotidine content.
- Probenecid can inhibit tubular secretion of this drug content in the kidneys.
- Dasatinib, its absorption in the body may be reduced.
- Decreased serum concentrations of Atazanavir, Cefditoren, Delavirdine, Ketoconazole, and Fosamprenavir.
Famotidine Contraindications
There are several conditions that can cause contraindications when taking this drug, namely:
- Have serious hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this drug.
- Having difficulty and/or pain when swallowing food.
- Experiencing vomiting with blood.
- Experiencing bloody or black stools.
- Have an allergy to stomach acid-reducing substances.
- Have kidney problems.
- Currently taking other acid reducers.
