Famotidine
Também conhecido como: Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD
- **Administration**: Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. To maximize its acid-blocking effect, it is often best given on an empty stomach, about 30-60 minutes before a meal. - **Consistency**: Do not skip doses. Clinical signs of acid reflux or ulcers may reoccur if dosages are missed. - **Liquid Formulations**: If using a compounded liquid suspension, shake well before each use and store it in the refrigerator. Discard any unused portion after 30 days. - **Interactions**: Inform your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking. If your pet takes oral iron supplements or certain antifungal medications, they should be given at least one hour apart from famotidine.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
Veterinary professional? See the full dosing-by-species reference on VetSheet →
What it is used for
- To reduce gastric acid production
- To reduce gastric acid production
- For esophagitis
- For acute reflex esophagitis
- Adjunctive treatment of GI effects associated with chronic progressive renal disease
- Adjunctive treatment of GI effects associated with chronic progressive renal disease
- All uses (ulcers, gastritis, oesophagitis, hypersecretory conditions)
- For stress induced ulcers
- In combination with antibiotics for Helicobacter treatment
- As an adjunct in ulcer treatment
- As an adjunct in ulcer treatment
- Rabbits: For stress induced ulcer prevention once critically ill animal has stabilized
- To reduce gastric acid production
- To reduce gastric acid production
- For esophagitis
- For acute reflex esophagitis
- Adjunctive treatment (prevent/treat gastric ulcers) of mast cell tumors
- Adjunctive treatment of GI effects associated with chronic kidney disease
- All uses (ulcers, gastritis, oesophagitis, hypersecretory conditions)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Bradycardia (if infused too rapidly IV)
- GI effects (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Headache
- Dry mouth or skin
- Intravascular hemolysis (rare, anecdotally reported in cats given IV)
- Transient increase in serum gastrin (returns to baseline by 14 days)
- Generally has a very good safety profile with fewer side effects than cimetidine
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to H2 blockers
- Known hypersensitivity to famotidine or other H2 receptor antagonists
- Use cautiously in **geriatric patients** and those with significantly **impaired hepatic or renal function**; consider dosage reduction in patients with significant renal dysfunction. Famotidine may have negative inotropic effects and some cardioarrhythmogenic properties; use with caution in patients with **cardiac disease**. When administering IV to cats, infuse slowly (over 5 minutes) to minimize the rare risk of intravascular hemolysis.
Drug interactions
- Azole Antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole): Famotidine raises gastric pH, which may decrease the absorption of these agents. Administer the azole one hour prior to famotidine.
- Cefpodoxime, Cefuroxime: Famotidine may decrease the absorption of these cephalosporins. Taking with food may alleviate this effect.
- Iron Salts (Oral): Famotidine may decrease the absorption of oral iron. Administer iron at least one hour prior to famotidine.
Perguntas frequentes
What is Famotidine used for in pets?
- Administration: Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. To maximize its acid-blocking effect, it is often best given on an empty stomach, about 30-60 minutes before a meal. - Consistency: Do not skip doses. Clinical signs of acid reflux or ulcers may reoccur if dosages are missed. - Liquid Formulations: If using a compounded liquid suspension, shake well before each use and store it in the refrigerator. Discard any unused portion after 30 days. - Interactions: Inform your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking. If your pet takes oral iron supplements or certain antifungal medications, they should be given at least one hour apart from famotidine.
Is Famotidine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
Este artigo é educação geral e não substitui orientação veterinária. Se o pet estiver mal, consulte um veterinário.
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