Famotidine

Famotidine

Brand Name: Apo-Famotidine (CAN), Novo-Famotidine (CAN), Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD

Pregnancy Category B

Drug class: Histamine 2 (H₂) antagonist

Therapeutic actions

Competitively blocks the action of histamine at the histamine (H₂) receptors of the parietal cells of the stomach; inhibits basal gastric acid secretion and chemically induced gastric acid secretion.

 

Indications

· Short-term treatment and maintenance of duodenal ulcer

· Short-term treatment of benign gastric ulcer

· Treatment of pathologic hypersecretory conditions

· Short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis due to GERD

· Relief of symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach (OTC)

 

 

Contraindications

· Allergy to famotidine; renal failure; pregnancy; lactation.

 

Adverse effects

Headache, malaise, dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, Rash, Diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, abdominal pain, Muscle cramp, increase in total bilirubin, sexual impotence

 

Nursing considerations

· Administer drug at bedtime.

· Decrease doses with renal failure.

· Arrange for administration of concurrent antacid therapy to relieve pain.