Drug Title

Pepcid (Famotidine)

Pharmacological action

Blocker of histamine H1-receptors, has high antihistamine activity and a pronounced blocking effect on the CNS. Causes a sedative effect and has an antiemetic effect. It also has a pronounced adrenoblocking, moderate peripheral and central cholinoblocking effect. The effect begins to develop 20 minutes after intake and lasts for 6 hours, sometimes up to 12 hours.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration it is rapidly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Binding to plasma proteins is more than 90%. It penetrates through the HEB and the placental barrier.

It is metabolized in the liver to form mainly sulfoxides and N-demethylated promethazine derivatives.

After oral administration the T1/2 is 7-12 hours. It is excreted mainly by the kidneys; to a lesser extent by the intestine.

Contraindications to use

• pregnancy;
• period of lactation;
• children under 3 years of age with body weight less than 20 kg (for this dosage form);
• Hypersensitivity to famotidine and other histamine H2-receptor blockers.

With caution: hepatic and/or renal insufficiency, cirrhosis with portosystemic encephalopathy (history), immunodeficiency, childhood age.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

During pregnancy and lactation period, application of the drug is contraindicated.

Administration in liver dysfunction

Caution: hepatic insufficiency, cirrhosis with portosystemic encephalopathy (in anamnesis).

Administration in renal dysfunction

In renal insufficiency, if CKR is less than 30 ml/min or serum creatinine more than 3 mg/100 ml, the daily dose of the preparation should be reduced to 20 mg.

Administration in children

Children over 3 years old:

In gastric and duodenal ulcer in the acute phase, reflux esophagitis Famotidine is prescribed to children with body weight over 10 kg at the rate of 2 mg/kg/day, divided in 2 doses or 20 mg 2 times/day, but no more than 40 mg/day.

Contraindicated: children under 3 years of age with body weight less than 20 kg (for this dosage form);

Indications of the drug Pepcid (Famotidine)

• Gastric and duodenal ulcer, prevention of relapse;
• Erosive gastroduodenitis;
• functional dyspepsia associated with increased secretory function;
• Symptomatic and stress ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract;
• reflux esophagitis;
• Prevention of relapses associated with long-term NSAID use;
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome;
• systemic mastocytosis;
• polyendocrine adenomatosis;
• prevention of recurrent bleeding in the postoperative period;
• prevention of gastric juice aspiration in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia (Mendelsohn syndrome);
• prevention of aspiration pneumonitis;
• dyspepsia with epigastric or retrosternal pain at night or with food intake.

Dosing regimen

Orally, without chewing, with plenty of water.

Adults:

In gastric and 12 duodenal ulcer in the acute phase, symptomatic ulcers, erosive gastroduodenitis are usually prescribed 20 mg 2 times/day or 40 mg 1 time/day at night. If necessary, daily dose may be increased up to 80-160 mg. The course of treatment is 4-8 weeks.

In dyspepsia associated with increased secretory function of the stomach, 20 mg 1 to 2 times a day is prescribed.

In order to prevent recurrence of peptic ulcer, it is prescribed 20 mg 1 time per day before going to bed.

In reflux esophagitis, 20-40 mg 2 times per day for 6-12 weeks.

In Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the drug dose and duration of treatment are determined individually. The initial dose is usually 20 mg every 6 hours and may be increased to 160 mg every 6 hours.

For prevention of aspiration of gastric juice during general anesthesia, 40 mg is prescribed in the evening and/or in the morning before surgery.

Famotidine tablets should be swallowed without chewing, with plenty of water.

In renal failure, if CK is less than 30 ml/min or serum creatinine more than 3 mg/100 ml, the daily dose of the drug should be reduced to 20 mg.

Children over 3 years of age:

In gastric and duodenal ulcer in the acute phase, reflux esophagitis Famotidine is prescribed in children with body weight over 10 kg at the rate of 2 mg/kg/day, divided in 2 doses or 20 mg 2 times/day, but not more than 40 mg/day.