Famotidine

Famotidine is a drug used for gastrointestinal diseases. Let's consider the main indications for its use, possible side effects, dosage and contraindications.

The medicine is prescribed for patients with gastrointestinal tract lesions, with ulcers of the duodenum and stomach. The tablets are H2-histamine receptor blockers. The medicine suppresses the secretion of hydrochloric acid, both its own. This is due to the stimulation of gastrin, histamine and acetylcholine. At the same time, the activity of enzymes that break down proteins - pepsin - decreases. The therapeutic effect occurs 60 minutes after a single dose and lasts from 12-14 hours.

Before using the drug, it is necessary to remember that it can hide the symptoms caused by gastric carcinoma. Therefore, before starting therapy, it is necessary to exclude any malignant neoplasms. The refusal to take it should be gradual, since there is a risk of developing a rebound syndrome due to abrupt withdrawal. With long-term therapy of patients with a weakened immune system and nervous disorders, bacterial infection of the stomach and further spread of the infection are possible.

H2-histamine receptor blockers are allowed to be taken 2-3 hours after such drugs as: Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Histamine, Pentagastrin. This will avoid reducing their absorption and affecting the acid-forming function of the stomach. Active components suppress the skin reaction when using Histamine, that is, they provoke false negative results. Therefore, before conducting skin tests for diagnostic purposes, it is necessary to stop taking H2-histamine receptors. In addition, during therapy, it is necessary to avoid eating foods and drinks that irritate the gastric mucosa.

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Indications Famotidine

H2-histamine receptors are prescribed to patients with various gastrointestinal diseases. Let's consider the main indications for the use of Famotidine:

• Gastric ulcer
• Duodenal ulcer
• Inflammation of the esophagus (caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the organ)
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Systemic mastocytosis
• Erosive gastroduodenitis
• Functional dyspepsia (similar to increased secretory function)
• Reflux esophagitis
• Prevention of recurrent bleeding in the postoperative period
• Treatment and prevention of symptomatic and stress ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract
• Prevention of aspiration pneumonitis
• Polyendocrine adenomatosis
• Prevention of Mendelson's syndrome (aspiration of gastric juice in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia)
• Dyspepsia with epigastric or chest pain occurring at night or associated with food intake
• Prevention of relapses associated with long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

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Release form

Famotidine is available in tablet form. Capsules are available in the following dosages:

• 20 mg (0.02 g) – 20 pieces in a package
• 40 mg (0.04 g) - 20 pieces in each package

Main physical and chemical properties: tablets are white, round, biconvex, film-coated, odorless.

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Famotidine "lx"

One of the varieties of H2-histamine receptor blocker is Famotidine "lx". International and chemical name of the drug: famotidine; N2-(aminosulfonyl)-3-[[[2-(diaminomethylene)amino]thiazol-4-yl]methyl]thio]propanamidine. The drug is in tablet form, coated with an enteric coating, 0.02 g of the active substance.

• Pharmacotherapeutic group – drugs that affect metabolism and the digestive system. It is a third-generation H2 receptor antagonist. Suppresses and reduces the production of hydrochloric acid and pepsin activity. After oral administration, it is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but not completely. Bioavailability is 45% and changes in the presence of food, the half-life is 3-5 hours.
• It is used for the treatment and prevention of exacerbations of duodenal and gastric ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The dosage is selected individually for each patient. As a rule, 40 mg per day is prescribed, before bedtime, the duration of treatment is 1-2 months. Upon achieving a therapeutic effect, maintenance use of 20 mg per day is indicated.
• Side effects include headaches, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, skin allergic reactions and liver dysfunction. The tablets are not used in case of hypersensitivity to their components, during pregnancy and lactation and for patients under 14 years of age. Overdose manifests itself as increased side effects.

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Famotidine 10 medica

Many medications are used to treat gastro-intestinal ulcers. But special attention should be paid to Famotidine 10 Medica. Its chemical and international name is famotidin; [1-amino-3-[[[2-[ (diaminomethylene)-amino]-4 thiazolyl]methyl]thio]propylidene]sulfamide. One tablet contains 10 mg of the active substance. It is included in the pharmacotherapeutic group of drugs for the treatment and prevention of gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer.

• The drug suppresses the secretion of hydrochloric acid (basal and stimulated by gastrin, histamine and acetylcholine) and weakly inhibits the oxidase system of cytochrome P450 in the liver. A single use effectively suppresses the secretion of gastric juice and enhances the protective mechanisms of the gastrointestinal mucosa. This is due to an increase in the formation of gastric mucus, glycoproteins and stimulation of the secretion of hydrocarbonate, which accelerates the healing process of mucosal lesions.
• After oral administration, it is rapidly and completely absorbed. The maximum concentration in the blood plasma is observed after 2-2.5 hours. Bioavailability is at the level of 20-60%, about 10-30% of the active components bind to albumins in the blood plasma. 20-35% is excreted unchanged in the urine, 30-35% is metabolized in the liver. The half-life is 3-4 hours, but in patients with creatinine clearance it can reach 20 hours.
• It is used for symptomatic treatment and prevention of non-ulcer dyskinesia caused by hyperacidity of gastric juice, due to unhealthy diet or drinks, alcohol abuse and smoking. Tablets are taken 10 mg 2 times a day one hour before meals. With daily use, the duration of therapy should not exceed 14 days.
• Side effects affect all organs and systems, but most often these are: headaches, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, increased fatigue, arrhythmia, leukopenia, skin allergic reactions, muscle pain, dry skin.
• Not used in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance, during pregnancy and lactation, for the treatment of minors. In case of overdose, a decrease in blood pressure, collapse, tremor of the extremities, vomiting, tachycardia are possible. Hemodialysis is effective, symptomatic therapy and gastric lavage are carried out.

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Famotidine 20-cl

Medicines for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcers help to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and minimize the negative impact on the body. Famotidine 20-sl is included in the category of such drugs.

• Used to eliminate ulcerative lesions of the duodenum and stomach. Effective in gastric bleeding, reflux esophagitis, i.e. conditions that require inhibition of gastric juice secretion. Used in cases of increased secretion of gastric juice - Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and as a preventive measure for erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract while taking NSAIDs.
• The active substance is famotidine, one tablet contains 20 mg. The medicine suppresses secretion, reducing the content of the food enzyme pepsin and hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Due to this, the gastrointestinal tract is protected from the effects of aggressive factors that provoke the progression of the ulcer. The dosage and duration of therapy depend on the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the severity of the disease.
• After oral administration, it quickly dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration in the blood plasma is achieved in 1-4 hours, bioavailability is at the level of 43%. Food intake does not affect the process of absorption and distribution.
• Famotidine is generally well tolerated, but side effects are possible. Most often, these are headaches, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, constipation, nausea, flatulence, and skin allergic reactions. It is not used during pregnancy and lactation, by patients under 14 years of age, and in case of hypersensitivity to the active components.

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Famotidine 40-cl

Drugs that suppress the secretion of hydrochloric acid and food enzymes are used to treat ulcerative diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Famotidine 40-sl belongs to them, as it protects the stomach and duodenum from aggressive factors that cause pathological diseases.

• The medicine is available in tablet form. Basic physical and chemical properties: tablets are coated with an enteric coating, round with a biconvex surface. One capsule contains 40 mg of the active component. After oral administration, it is quickly absorbed, the maximum concentration in the blood serum occurs in 1-4 hours.
• Food intake does not affect absorption and bioavailability. It is distributed in the tissues of the kidneys, liver, digestive tract, submandibular and pancreas. Binding to blood proteins is 20%, the half-life is 3 hours, but the pharmacological effects last longer.
• The drug is prescribed for the treatment of ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, in case of disorders of gastric juice secretion, as a preventive measure against erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract caused by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The dosage and method of administration depend on the severity of the disease. Food intake does not affect the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug.
• Side effects include headaches and dizziness, increased fatigue, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal disorders. The tablets are not used in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredients, by pregnant women, and by patients under 14 years of age. Overdose symptoms are expressed as increased side effects.
• Before starting therapy, it is necessary to make sure that there are no malignant lesions of the stomach and duodenum. This is due to the fact that the drug can hide the symptomatic picture of stomach cancer. It is used with special caution in patients with impaired liver and kidney function.

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Famotidine-darnitsa

Blockers of H2-histamine receptors of the stomach walls, reducing the secretion of gastric juice, are used to treat ulcerative diseases of the digestive organs. Famotidine-Darnitsa reduces the amount and concentration of gastric juice and pepsin. The tablets are effective in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, reflux esophagitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.

• Famotidine is available in 20 and 40 mg dosages. It is taken at night, as it reduces basal and night secretion of gastric juice. It does not affect the level of gastrin before or after meals, gastric emptying and pancreatic secretory function, portal blood flow and hepatic circulation.
• After oral administration, it is rapidly and completely absorbed. Biological availability is 40% and does not depend on the contents of the stomach. Maximum concentration in blood plasma is after 1-3 hours, repeated administration causes a cumulative effect. Plasma protein binding is 15-20%, half-life is up to 20 hours. Metabolized in the liver, excreted by the kidneys.
• For the treatment of benign lesions of the stomach and duodenum, take 40 mg at a time or 20 mg in the morning and evening for 4-8 weeks. For preventive purposes - 20 mg once a day for 1-4 weeks. To eliminate chronic gastritis (with increased acid-forming function), prescribe 40 mg per day, a course of 2-4 weeks. For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the recommended dosage is 20 mg 4 times a day, the duration of the course is individual.
• Side effects are manifested by all organs and systems of the body, but most often these are: arrhythmia, nausea, vomiting, painful sensations in the peritoneum, diarrhea or constipation, allergic skin reactions, muscle and joint pain. In rare cases, bronchospasms, liver and kidney dysfunction occur.
• Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the product, as well as during pregnancy, lactation and in pediatric patients. In case of overdose, there is an increase in side effects. Most often, this is a decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia, vomiting and tremor. To eliminate adverse symptoms, supportive and symptomatic therapy is used.

Famotidine-health

Ukrainian pharmaceutical company Zdorovye and Pharmex Group LLC are engaged in the production of various drugs. Famotidine-zdorovye is produced by this company and is a selective antagonist of H2 receptors of the third generation. The active substance is famotidine, one tablet contains 20 mg. The drug is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer.

• After oral administration, it is rapidly and completely absorbed; food intake does not affect this process. The maximum concentration in blood plasma is after 1-3 hours, binding to blood proteins is 15-20%, bioavailability is 40-45%. It is metabolized in the liver, forming an inactive sulfoxide metabolite, and excreted by the kidneys. It penetrates the placental barrier, into the cerebrospinal fluid and breast milk.
• The mechanism of action is due to the inhibition of H2 histamine receptors of the stomach wall. Due to this, the secretion and volume of gastric juice and the activity of pepsin are reduced. Strengthens the protective mechanisms of the gastric mucosa by increasing the secretion of gastric mucus. This accelerates the healing processes of existing damage.
• Contraindicated in case of intolerance to H2 histamine receptor antagonists and any other components of the drug. Use with caution in elderly patients and patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Do not prescribe to pregnant women, during lactation and for patients under 14 years of age. Dosage and duration of therapy depend on the severity of the disease and the age of the patient.
• In case of overdose, vomiting, motor agitation, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, tremors occur. Symptomatic therapy, gastric lavage or induction of vomiting are used as treatment. Hemodialysis is effective.
• Side effects most often cause disorders of the digestive tract - vomiting, nausea, hepatitis, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth. Undesirable symptoms from the hematopoietic system are possible - leukopenia, thrombocytopenia. Most often, headaches, dizziness, convulsions, muscle weakness, depression, anxiety and restlessness, confusion, allergic reactions occur.

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Pharmacodynamics

Famotidine belongs to the pharmacological category of drugs-blockers of H2-histamine receptors. Let's consider the main characteristics of the pharmacodynamics of this drug:

• Suppresses HCl production, both basal and stimulated by gastrin, histamine, acetylcholine. Reduces pepsin activity and increases pH.
• Due to the increase in the volume of gastric mucus and glycoproteins, it enhances the protection of the gastric mucosa and the level of stimulation of endogenous synthesis of Pg and stimulation of secretion of hydrocarbonate. It accelerates the healing process of damage, effectively stops gastrointestinal bleeding.
• The therapeutic effect occurs 60 minutes after administration and reaches its peak within 3 hours. The therapeutic effect is maintained for 12-24 hours. The active substance weakly suppresses the cytochrome P450 oxidase system in the liver. With intravenous administration, the maximum result is observed after 30 minutes. Taking a tablet of 10 or 20 mg suppresses secretion for 10-12 hours.

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Pharmacokinetics

The effectiveness of Famotidine is indicated not only by its composition, but also by the processes that occur with it after oral administration. Pharmacokinetics allows you to learn about the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the drug used.

• After oral administration, it is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Maximum concentration in blood plasma is achieved after 1-4 hours.
• The active substance penetrates into the cerebrospinal fluid, through the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk. Binding to plasma proteins is 15-20%.
• About 35% of the active component is metabolized in the liver, forming S-oxide.
• The elimination process is carried out through the kidneys. About 25-40% is excreted unchanged in urine. The half-life is 2-4 hours, and in patients with impaired liver and kidney function 10-12 hours.

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Dosing and administration

To achieve a stable therapeutic effect when using medications, the doctor makes a treatment plan. The method of administration and dosage of Famotidine depend on the severity of the disease that is subject to therapy, the age of the patient and the individual characteristics of his body.

• For gastric and duodenal ulcers (acute phase), erosive gastroduodenitis and symptomatic ulcers, take 20 mg 2 times a day or a single dose of 40 mg at night. If indicated, the daily dose is increased to 80-160 mg. The course of therapy is 4-8 weeks.
• To eliminate dyspepsia associated with increased secretory function of the stomach, use 20 mg 1-2 times a day.
• In Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the dosage and duration of therapy are individual for each patient. The initial dose is 20 mg every 6 hours, but can be increased to 160 mg.
• For reflux esophagitis – 20-40 mg 1-2 times a day for 6-12 weeks.
• Prevention of ulcer recurrence – 20 mg once a day before bedtime.
• Prevention of gastric juice aspiration during general anesthesia – 40 mg in the morning/evening before surgery.

The tablets are not chewed, but swallowed with plenty of liquid.

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Use Famotidine during pregnancy

Women during pregnancy face particular difficulties in treating gastrointestinal diseases, in particular, duodenal and gastric ulcers. The use of Famotidine during pregnancy is contraindicated. This is explained by the fact that the drug is an H2-histamine receptor blocker. Drugs of this pharmacological group penetrate into all biological fluids, i.e. through the placental barrier and even into breast milk.

This can negatively affect the development of the fetus and cause a number of negative symptoms in the mother. The drug is not used during lactation. If the use of the drug is mandatory, then the expectant mother should understand all the risks. But, as a rule, safer drugs with minimal side effects are selected for pregnant women.

Contraindications

Each medicine has certain limitations for use. Let's consider the main contraindications for the use of Famotidine:

• Individual intolerance to active components
• Hypersensitivity to histamine H2-receptor blockers
• Pregnancy
• Lactation
• Patients under 16 years of age

The medication should be used with special caution by elderly patients and those with impaired renal and hepatic function.

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Side effects Famotidine

In some cases, the use of a particular drug causes a number of negative symptoms. This may be caused by non-compliance with the recommended dosage or exceeding the duration of the treatment course.

Let's look at the main side effects of Famotidine:

• Disorders of the digestive system – vomiting, nausea, increased activity of liver enzymes in the blood, constipation and diarrhea, cholestatic jaundice, pain in the peritoneum.
• Headaches and dizziness, increased fatigue, various mental disorders (nervousness, depression, insomnia, apathy), taste disturbances.
• Muscle and joint pain
• Skin allergic reactions
• Itching
• Decreased white blood cell count
• Decreased granulocytes in the blood
• Decreased platelets in the blood
• Bronchospasms
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Pancytopenia (rare)

If the above symptoms appear, you should seek medical attention immediately.

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Overdose

Failure to comply with the conditions of use of any pharmaceutical product entails a number of negative consequences. Overdose most often manifests itself as an increase in the severity of side effects. Patients complain of vomiting, nausea, decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, motor agitation, tremor and collapse.

As a treatment for the above symptoms, gastric lavage or vomiting induction is performed. Hemodialysis is effective. Symptomatic and supportive therapy is indicated to restore normal functioning of the body. In rare cases, convulsions are possible, for the elimination of which diazepam is used intravenously, lidocaine for ventricular arrhythmia, and atropine for bradycardia.

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Interactions with other drugs

When treating any disease, many drugs are used, which must be used simultaneously to enhance the therapeutic effect. Let's consider the main nuances of the interaction of Famotidine with other drugs:

• When used with clavulanic acid and amoxicillin, their absorption increases.
• Compatible with 0.9/0.18% sodium chloride solution, 4.2% sodium bicarbonate solution and 4/5% dextrose solution.
• When used with antacids containing magnesium, sucralfate and aluminum, the level of drug absorption decreases. To avoid this effect, the interval between taking the drugs should be at least 1-2 hours.
• The drug inhibits the metabolism of diazepam, propranolol, theophylline, hexobarbital, lidocaine and indirect anticoagulants.
• Since the drug causes an increase in the pH of the stomach contents, when interacting with ketoconazole and itraconazole, their absorption decreases.
• When used simultaneously with drugs that suppress bone marrow, the risk of developing neutropenia increases.

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Storage conditions

Since the medication is available in tablet form, the storage conditions correspond to this form of release:

• Store Famotidine in the original package.
• Maintain storage at room temperature
• Keep out of reach of children and away from sunlight.

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Shelf life

Any medicine has an expiration date, after which its properties and effectiveness are reduced. In addition, expired Famotidine can cause side effects on all organs and systems.

Famotidine is approved for use for 36 months from the date of manufacture indicated on the package. After this period, the drug should not be taken and should be disposed of.

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