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Quamatel
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Quamatel is one of the trade names for a medicine containing the active ingredient famotidine. Famotidine belongs to a class of medicines known as H2-histamine receptor antagonists. It is used to treat various gastrointestinal conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The main indications for the use of Famotidine (including under the trade name Kvamatel) include:
- Peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers may include ulcers of the stomach or duodenum. Famotidine helps reduce excess acidity in the stomach, which promotes healing of ulcers.
- Erosive esophagitis: Erosive esophagitis occurs when the esophagus is damaged by acid from the stomach. Famotidine helps to reduce acidity in the esophagus and speed up its healing.
- Reflux esophagitis: This medication may be used to reduce symptoms of reflux esophagitis, such as heartburn and regurgitation (ejection of food from the esophagus back into the mouth).
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is characterized by a constant backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Famotidine helps reduce acidity in the esophagus and reduce symptoms.
Quamatel and other Famotidine-based medications are usually available as oral tablets or capsules. As with any medication, you should consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment before starting to take Kvamatel.
Indications Kwamatela
- PepticUlcer: Quamatel is used to treat peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. This drug helps to reduce the secretion of stomach acid, which promotes healing of ulcers.
- Erosive Esophagitis: This drug is effective in treating erosive esophagitis, in which acid from the stomach damages the walls of the esophagus, causing them to become inflamed and eroded.
- Reflux esophagitis: Quamatel may be used to reduce symptoms of reflux esophagitis, such as heartburn, bitterness in the mouth and regurgitation.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This medication is effective in treating GERD, in which stomach contents regularly back up into theesophagus, causing a variety of symptoms.
- Prevention of ulcer complications: In some patients, especially those taking certain medicines that increase the risk of ulcers, Quamatel may be prescribed to prevent ulcer complications.
Release form
- Tablets: Quamatela tablets are intended for oral administration. They may have different dosages depending on the doctor's instructions and the individual needs of the patient. The tablets are usually taken orally, with a small amount of water.
- Capsules: Capsules may be another form of release that contains famotidine. They are also taken orally like tablets and are usually washed down with water.
- Solution for injection: Famotidine may also be available as a solution for injection. This form of release is usually used in hospital settings to control gastric acidity more quickly and effectively.
Pharmacodynamics
- Proton pump inhibition: Famotidine is a selective competitive inhibitor of histamine H2 receptors in gastric parietal cells. This leads to a decrease in the secretion of hydrochloric acid by the gastric gland, which is the key mechanism of its action.
- Reduction of acidity of gastric contents: Since hydrochloric acid plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ulcers and reflux esophagitis, inhibition of its secretion by famotidine leads to a decrease in the acidity of gastric contents, which contributes to the healing of ulcers and reduction of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.
- Increase in stomach pH: Famotidine increases the pH in the stomach, which creates a less acidic environment, which in turn may help reduce pain and improve symptoms in patients with peptic ulcers and reflux esophagitis.
- Prolonged action: The action of famotidine begins within 1 hour after administration and lasts up to 12 hours, which provides long-term protection of the gastric mucosa from the effects of acid.
- Protective effect on the mucosa: Some studies have shown that famotidine may have a protective effect on the gastric mucosa by stimulating bicarbonate secretion and increasing blood flow in the mucosa.
- Antisecretory action: Famotidine may also reduce pepsin production, which is another mechanism to protect the mucosa from acid damage.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Famotidine is usually well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Food may slow its absorption rate, but usually does not affect the completeness of absorption.
- Maximum concentration(Cmax): The maximum concentration of famotidine in the blood is usually reached 1-3 hours after administration.
- Bioavailability: The bioavailability of famotidine is about 40-50%, since a significant portion of the drug is metabolized during its first passage through the liver.
- Metabolism: Famotidine is metabolized in liver with formation of inactive metabolites. The main metabolite is sulfoxide.
- Half-life (T1/2): Famotidine has a relatively long half-life of about 2-3 hours. However, when used in high doses or in elderly patients, the half-life may increase.
- Excretion: Famotidine and its metabolites are eliminated from the body mainly through the kidneys (about 65-70% of the dose) and partially through the intestine.
- Protein binding: Approximately 15-20% of famotidine binds to plasma proteins.
Dosing and administration
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Dosage:
- Famotidine dosage is usually prescribed by a doctor depending on the nature of the disease and the patient's response to treatment.
- For the treatment of heartburn, 20-40 mg of famotidine once daily, taken in the morning or evening, is usually prescribed.
- For the treatment of peptic ulcer disease of the stomach or duodenum, 40 mg of famotidine once daily, taken in the morning or evening, is usually prescribed.
- For the treatment of reflux esophagitis, 20-40 mg of famotidine is prescribed twice daily for 6-12 weeks.
- To prevent ulcer recurrence after healing, 20 mg of famotidine once daily is usually prescribed.
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Method of Application:
- Famotidine is usually taken orally, that is, by mouth.
- The tablets should be swallowed whole without chewing or crushing. They may be taken independently of meals.
- The solution for injection can be used in hospital settings and is administered intravenously or intramuscularly by medical personnel.
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Duration of admission:
- The duration of intake depends on the nature of the disease and the response to treatment. The doctor will determine the duration of the course of treatment in each specific case.
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Individualized recommendations from a physician:
- The doctor can adjust the dosage and mode of application depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and the nature of the disease.
Use Kwamatela during pregnancy
According to medical research, famotidine is probably safe for use during pregnancy, especially in the early stages. However, as with any medicine, its use during pregnancy should only be done under the supervision of a doctor who can evaluate the benefits against the potential risks to you and your baby.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity: Patients with known hypersensitivity to famotidine or any other H2-histamine receptor inhibitors should not use this drug because of the risk of allergic reactions.
- First trimester of pregnancy: The use of famotidine in the first trimester of pregnancy may be contraindicated due to insufficient data on its safety for the fetus.
- Breastfeeding: Famotidine is excreted into breast milk, therefore its use during breastfeeding should be carried out under medical supervision.
- Patients with alternative therapies: In patients who can be treated with other therapies without famotidine, its use may be contraindicated.
- Patients with severe renal impairment: Famotidine dosage may need to be adjusted in patients with severe renal impairment to avoid accumulation in the body.
- Patients with hepatic impairment: Famotidine is metabolized in the liver, therefore its use may be contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
- Patients under 16 years of age: There are limited data on the efficacy and safety of famotidine in children under 16 years of age, therefore its use in this age group may be contraindicated.
Side effects Kwamatela
- Dizzinessand drowsiness: Some patients may experience dizziness or drowsiness while taking Famotidine. This may affect their ability to drive a car or perform other tasks that require increased concentration.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Including diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
- Hypersensitivity: Rarely allergic reactions such as skin rash, pruritus or angioedema (edema of the skin, mucous membranes, subcutaneous tissue) have been observed.
- Muscle and joint pain: Some patients may experience muscle and joint pain.
- Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood: This is a rare but serious side effect that can lead to increased bleeding or bleeding.
- Increase in the level of liver enzymes: In some patients, taking famotidine may cause a temporary increase in liver enzyme levels in the blood.
- Central nervous system depression: Including drowsiness, dizziness and rarely insomnia or abnormal dreams.
- Increasedrisk of infections: There may be an increased risk of infections in some patients, especially those who have been taking Quamatel for a long time.
Overdose
- Increased side effects: Overdose may increase unwanted side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, headache, stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and other symptoms.
- Electrolyte disturbances: Excessive suppression of hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach can lead to electrolyte disturbances, including hypokalemia (decreased potassium levels in the blood), which can cause various cardiac arrhythmias and other heart problems.
- Acute hypersensitivity reactions: In some cases, allergic reactions such as urticaria, Quincke's edema or anaphylaxis may occur.
- Serious Complications: In extreme cases, at very high doses, overdose of Famotidine can lead to serious complications such as cardiotoxic effects, acute renal failure and other severe complications.
Treatment of Famotidine overdose includes symptomatic support and relief of side effects. In case of acute overdose may require measures to treat complications, such as administration of intrusive fluids, correction of electrolyte disturbances and other measures depending on symptoms and patient's condition.
Interactions with other drugs
- Drugs requiring an acidic environment for absorption: Famotidine reduces acidity in the stomach, which may reduce the absorption of some drugs that require an acidic environment for complete absorption, such as ketoconazole, amprenavir, atazanavir and others.
- Anticoagulants (e.g. Warfarin): Famotidine may increase anticoagulant concentrations in the blood, which may require an anticoagulant dose adjustment and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Drugs metabolized through cytochrome P450 system: Famotidine may affect the metabolism of drugs metabolized through the cytochrome P450 system, which may lead to an increase or decrease in their concentration in the blood.
- Drugs causing hyperkalemia (e.g. Potassium-containing supplements, potassium-saving diuretics): Famotidine may increase the risk of hyperkalemia when used concomitantly with such drugs.
- Antacids and magnesium-containing drugs: Magnesium-containing drugs (e.g. Antacids) may decrease the absorption of famotidine, therefore they should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking Quamatel.
- Drugsthat reduce gastric acidity: Drugs such as proton inhibitors may increase the effect of famotidine on reducing gastric acidity.
- Drugs requiring an acidic environment for stability: Famotidine may decrease the acidity of gastric juice, which may result in decreased absorption of drugs that require an acidic environment for stability, such as azole antibiotics and antifungal drugs.
Storage conditions
Storage conditions of Kvamatel (famotidine) may vary depending on the manufacturer and form of release of the drug. Usually storage recommendations are indicated on the drug package or in the accompanying information. Here are the general recommendations:
- Temperature: Quamatel should be stored at room temperature, which is usually 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Avoid storing the drug in places with extreme temperatures.
- Humidity: The drug should be stored in a dry place to prevent damage to the tablets or capsules.
- Light: It is recommended to store Kvamatel in a dark place protected from direct sunlight. Light may adversely affect the stability of the drug.
- Packaging: Store the drug in its original packaging or container to prevent unintentional access to it and to protect it from external factors.
- Availability to children: Ensure that Quamatel is stored out of the reach of children to prevent accidental use.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug " Quamatel" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.