Famotidine

Famotidine concerns to group of antagonists histamine H2 receptors and the reflux esophagitis and a peptic ulcer is intended for treatment.

Pharmacological action

Famotidine suppresses release (secretion) of hydrochloric acid. In addition, this medicine reduces activity of proteolytic enzyme – pepsin. According to reviews Famotidine begins to render medical effect already 45 - 60 minutes later after reception of an initial dose. Duration of effect of drug is defined by the accepted dose and makes from 12 hours to one days.

Indications

• Reflux esophagitis – the inflammation of a mucous membrane of a gullet caused by hit on it acid gastric contents;
• Zollingera-Ellison's syndrome – morbid condition at which the combination of ulcer defect of a stomach and a high-quality new growth of a pancreas is observed;
• Peptic ulcer of a stomach and duodenum.

The indication to Famotidin is also prevention of development of a peptic ulcer in patients by which the long time is spent therapy of general diseases with use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NPVS) or glucocorticosteroids.

Famotidine use

The dosage of drug is selected the doctor individually. At an aggravation of a peptic ulcer it is usually appointed on 0,04 g once a day. Famotidine use two times a day on 0,02 g is in certain cases justified. Duration of a course of treatment has to be from 4 to 8 weeks. After ulcer defect begins to live Famotidine reception gradually stop. For prevention of the subsequent aggravations drug is accepted before going to bed in a dose of 0,02 g.

At Zollingera-Ellison's syndrome and a reflux esophagitis Famotidine is appointed four times a day on 0,02 g.

According to the instruction Famotidine can be applied also to treatment of patients with an impaired renal function. In this case the daily dose has to be reduced according to values of clearance of creatinine.

According to reviews Famotidine is effective also at hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid. In this case it is appointed once a day, it is desirable before going to bed in a dose of 0,02 - 0,04.

Side effects

According to the instruction Famotidine can lead to development of the following side effects:

• Dispepsichesky phenomena;
• Increase in activity of liver enzymes (transaminases);
• Cholestatic jaundice;
• Dizziness and/or headache;
• Disturbances of flavoring perception;
• Loss of appetite;
• Sonitus;
• Frustration of mentality;
• Arthralgia and mialgiya;
• Fervescence;
• Skin rash;
• Disturbances of a picture of peripheral blood (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or agranulocytosis). According to reviews Famotidine seldom or never can lead to development of a pancytopenia – to sharp decrease in all blood cells;
• Bronchospasm;
• Acne rash;
• Gnezdny baldness.

Famotidine contraindications

Use of Famotidine is contraindicated at pregnancy and in the period of a lactation, and also in the presence at the patient of individual intolerance to this drug.

Special instructions

According to the instruction to Famotidine appointment of drug in a combination with not soaking up antacids (the medicines lowering acidity of a gastric juice) is allowed. However at the same time it is necessary that between reception of these medicines there was an interval not less than two hours.

Form of production of Famotidine

Famotidine is produced in the form of the tablets containing in the structure 0,02 g of active agent in packaging on 20 pieces. Drug is produced also in a bigger dosage – on 0,04 g. In this case in one packaging – 10 tablets.

Famotidine analogs

The drug Famotidine has many analogs: Famotsid, Famosang, Famonit, Famodin, Famogard, Ultseran, Ulfamid, Toptsid, Pepsidin, Nevofarm, Letsedil, Kvamatel, Gastrosidin, Gastrogen, Blokatsid, Atsipen, Antodin, etc.

In spite of the fact that in drugstores the wide range of analogs of Famotidine is provided, it is desirable to use that drug which is appointed to you by the attending physician.

Storage conditions

Famotidine belongs to the list B and is not intended for treatment without appointment of the doctor. Drug is stored in the dry, protected from light place unavailable to children.