Medications and Drugs
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: famotidine
BRAND NAME: Pepcid
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Histamine is a chemical made by the body
that stimulates cells lining the stomach to produce acid. Famotidine belongs to
a class of medications called H2-blockers that blocks the action of histamine on
stomach cells, thus reducing production of acid by the stomach. Other H2
blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and nizatidine
(Axid). Famotidine was approved by the FDA in November, 1986.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes.
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10, 20, and 40 mg. Suspension: 40 mg per 5 ml
teaspoon. Injection: 10 mg/ml and 20 mg/50 ml.
STORAGE: Tablets and suspension should be stored at room temperature,
15 -30°C (59-86°F). Injection should be stored between 2-8°C (36-46°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Famotidine blocks the action of histamine on stomach
cells, and reduces stomach acid production. Famotidine is useful in promoting
the healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers and in reducing ulcer pain.
Famotidine has been effective in preventing recurrence of ulcers when given in
low doses for prolonged periods of time. Famotidine also is used for treating
heartburn and in healing ulceration and inflammation of the esophagus
(esophagitis) resulting from acid (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD).
High doses are used for treating conditions in which there are marked increases
in acid secretion such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
DOSING: The recommended adult oral dose for treating duodenal ulcers
is 40 mg once daily at bedtime or 20 mg twice daily. Most patients heal their
ulcers within 4 weeks. The regimen for maintenance therapy after the ulcers are
healed is 20 mg once a day at bedtime.
The recommended adult oral dose for treating gastric ulcer is 40 mg once a
day at bedtime, and esophagitis is treated with 20-40 mg twice daily for 6-12
weeks. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is treated with 20 mg every 6 hours.
Heartburn due to GERD is treated with 10-20 mg daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: No important drug interactions with famotidine have
been identified.
PREGNANCY: Safe use of
famotidine in pregnancy has not been
established.
NURSING MOTHERS: Famotidine is secreted into breast milk. Due to the
potential but unknown harm that famotidine might cause to the infant, nursing
mothers should consider discontinuing famotidine.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of famotidine are rare. Minor side effects
include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain,
nausea, and vomiting. Major side effects include agitation, anemia, confusion,
depression, easy bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, hair loss, irregular
heartbeat, rash, visual changes, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 5/22/2006
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Esophageal pH Monitoring - Esophageal pH monitoring is a procedure for measuring the reflux (regurgitation or backwash) of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The Esophageal pH test is used to diagnose GERD.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn) - Learn about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acid reflux, heartburn) symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention information is also included.
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