Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Famotidine is an oral drug that blocks the
production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach. It belongs to a class
of drugs called H2 (histamine-2) blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet),
nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac). Histamine is a naturally-occurring
chemical that stimulates cells in the stomach (parietal cells) to produce acid.
H2-blockers inhibit the action of histamine on the cells, thus reducing the
production of acid. Since excessive stomach acid can damage the esophagus,
stomach, and duodenum and lead to inflammation and ulceration, reducing stomach
acid prevents and heals acid-induced inflammation and ulcers. Famotidine was
approved by the FDA in November 1986.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes, OTC
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes.
PREPARATIONS:
Tablets: 10, 20, and 40 mg.
Tablets (Chewable): 10 and 20 mg.
Suspension: 40 mg per 5 ml (teaspoon). Injection: 10 mg/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 the production of acid by the stomach. 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. Over-the-counter preparations are
used for treatment and prevention of occasional heartburn associated with acid
indigestion (another name for GERD).
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 oral dose for adults with
gastric ulcers is, 40 mg once daily at bedtime. Esophagitis is treated with 20
or 40 mg twice daily for up to 12 weeks. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is treated
with 20 mg every 6 hours, and doses up to 160 mg every 6 hours have been used in
some patients. GERD is treated with 20 mg twice daily for up to 6 weeks.
Occasional heartburn is treated with 10-20 mg daily administered 15 to 60
minutes before ingestion of food or beverages that cause heartburn.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Famotidine, like other drugs that reduce stomach
acid, may interfere with the absorption of drugs that require acid for adequate
absorption. Examples include iron salts (for example iron sulphate),
itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric).
PREGNANCY: Use of famotidine during
pregnancy has not been adequately
evaluated.
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.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid
contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are heartburn,
regurgitation, and nausea. Effective treatment is available for most patients with GERD.
A peptic ulcer is an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related to Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, use of anti-inflammatory medications, and cigarette smoking.
Esophagitis is caused by an infection or irritation of the esophagus. Infections that cause esophagitis include candida yeast infection of the esophagus as well as herpes.
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Causes of gastritis include drinking too much alcohol, medications such as NSAIDs, ibuprofen, aspirin, H. pylori infection, severe infections, burns, anemia, and autoimmune disorders. Gastritis is diagnosed with endoscopy, blood tests, or stool tests. Treatment depends upon the cause of gastritis.
Barrett's esophagus occurs as a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), primarily in white males. GERD refers to the reflux of acidic fluid from the stomach into the esophagus (the swallowing tube), and is classically associated with heartburn.
Heartburn is a burning sensation experienced from acid reflux (GERD). Symptoms of heartburn include chest pain, burning in the throat, difficulty swallowing, the feeling of food sticking in the throat, and a burning feeling in the chest. Causes of heartburn include dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and medical causes. Treatments for heartburn include lifestyle changes, OTC medication, prescription medication, and surgery.
Acid backing up into the larynx (voice box), it causes reflux laryngitis. Irritation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and throat can lead to esophagitis, sinusitis, strictures, hoarseness, throat clearing, swallowing problems, asthma, chronic cough, and more. Typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis include heartburn, hoarseness, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Reflux laryngitis can be treated with OTC medication, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes.
Gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining—known as the mucosa—is inflamed. The stomach lining contains special cells that produce acid and enzymes, which help break down food for digestion, and mucus, which protects the stomach lining from acid. When the stomach lining is inflamed, it produces less acid, enzymes, and mucus.
Gastritis may be acute or chronic. Sudden, severe inflammation of the stomach lining is called acute gastritis. Inflammation that lasts for a long time is called chronic gastritis. If chronic gastritis is not treated, it may last for years or even a lifetime.
Erosive gastritis is a type of gastritis that often does not cause significant inflammation but can wear away the stomach lining. Erosive gastritis can cause bleeding, erosions, or ulcers. Erosive gastritis may be acute or chronic.
The relationship between gastritis and symptoms is not clear. The term gastritis refers specifically to abnor...
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