Drugs

Famotidine : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Famotidine : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Famotidine is a thiazole ring containing H2 antihistamine. It is 5-8 times more potent than ranitidine and antiandrogenic action is absent. It is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Dose : 20-40 mg
Route : Oral
Plasma Half-life : 2.5–3.5 hours
Duration of action : ?
Bioavailability : 40-50 %
Chemical formula : C8H15N7O2S3
IUPAC name : 3-[({2-[(diaminomethylidene)amino]-1,3-thiazol-4-yl}methyl)sulfanyl]-N’-sulfamoylpropanimidamide
Trade name : Pepcid, Famtac, Famonite, Topcid, Famocid, Facid, Heartburn Relief, Mylanta AR, Leader Acid Reducer
Therapeutic uses : Famotidine has following uses :

  • Used to treat Peptic ulcers; effective in promoting the healing of duodenal and gastric ulcers.
  • Used to treat Acute stress ulcers & gastritis. Acutely stressful situations like hepatic coma, severe burns and trauma, prolonged surgery, prolonged intensive care, renal failure, asphyxia neonatorum, etc. are associated with gastric erosions and bleeding.
  • Used to treat Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, they are indicated only in mild or stage-1 cases of GERD.
  • Used for Prophylaxis of aspiration pneumonia because they reduce the risk of aspiration of acidic gastric contents during anaesthesia and surgery.
  • Because of the higher potency and longer duration, it has been considered more suitable for ZE syndrome and for prevention of aspiration. pneumonia.
  • May have adjuvant beneficial action in certain cases of urticaria who do not adequately respond to an H1 antagonist alone.

Side effects : Famotidine may cause following Side effects :

  • Headache,
  • Dizziness,
  • Bowel upset,
  • Rarely disorientation and rash.

Contraindications :

  • Hypersensitivity to any component of this product.  Cross sensitivity in this class of compounds has been observed.  Therefore, famotidine should not be administered to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other H2-receptor antagonists.

For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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