Famotidine

Description

The active ingredient in famotidine tablets USP is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist. Famotidine is chemically defined as N′‑(aminosulfonyl)-3-[[[2-(diaminomethylene)amino-4-thiazolyl]methyl]thio] propanimidamide, with a molecular formula of C8H15N7O2S3 and a molecular weight of 337.43 g/mol. Famotidine USP appears as a white to pale yellowish white crystalline powder, which is freely soluble in glacial acetic acid, slightly soluble in methanol, very slightly soluble in water, and practically insoluble in ethanol.

Each famotidine tablet for oral administration contains either 20 mg or 40 mg of famotidine USP, along with the following inactive ingredients: carnauba wax, corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, talc, and titanium dioxide. The 20 mg tablets also include red iron oxide and yellow iron oxide as additional inactive components.

Uses and Indications

Famotidine is indicated for the treatment of active duodenal ulcers (DU) and active gastric ulcers. It is also indicated for the management of symptomatic nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and for the treatment of erosive esophagitis due to GERD, as diagnosed by biopsy.

In adult patients, famotidine is indicated for the treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasias. Additionally, it is indicated for the reduction of the risk of recurrence of duodenal ulcers.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with famotidine.

Dosage and Administration

For adult and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg and greater, the following dosing recommendations apply:

For the treatment of active duodenal ulcers, the recommended dosage is 40 mg administered once daily. In cases of active gastric ulcer, the dosage remains at 40 mg once daily. For gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a dosage of 20 mg is advised twice daily. In the treatment of erosive esophagitis, patients may receive either 20 mg twice daily or 40 mg twice daily, depending on clinical judgment. For pathological hypersecretory conditions, the initial dosage is 20 mg every 6 hours, with adjustments made according to individual patient needs; the maximum allowable dosage is 160 mg every 6 hours. To reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence, a dosage of 20 mg once daily is recommended.

Administration of the medication should occur once daily before bedtime or twice daily, with doses taken in the morning and before bedtime. The medication can be taken with or without food, allowing for flexibility in patient adherence.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to famotidine or other H2 receptor antagonists. Due to the potential for severe allergic reactions, administration in these patients may pose significant health risks.

Warnings and Precautions

Elderly patients and those with renal impairment are at an increased risk for central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions. It is recommended that the dosage be reduced in these populations to mitigate potential risks.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the absence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms does not rule out the possibility of gastric malignancy. A thorough evaluation for GI malignancy is advised prior to the initiation of therapy to ensure patient safety.

Side Effects

Patients may experience a range of adverse reactions while undergoing treatment. Common adverse reactions reported include headache, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea.

Particular attention should be given to central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions, especially in elderly patients and those with renal impairment, as these populations are at an increased risk. It is recommended to reduce the dosage in these cases to mitigate potential risks.

Additionally, it is important to note that the absence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms does not rule out the possibility of gastric malignancy; therefore, a thorough evaluation should be conducted prior to initiating therapy.

Patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis, to famotidine or other H2 receptor antagonists should be closely monitored, as they may be at heightened risk for similar reactions.

In cases of overdosage, the types of adverse reactions observed are consistent with those encountered during the use of recommended dosages, underscoring the importance of adhering to prescribed guidelines.

Drug Interactions

Concomitant use of drugs that depend on gastric pH for absorption may lead to a significant reduction in systemic exposure of the affected drug, potentially resulting in a loss of efficacy. It is advisable to consult the full prescribing information for a comprehensive list of these interacting drugs.

Tizanidine, a substrate of CYP1A2, may experience substantial increases in blood concentrations when used concurrently with other medications. This interaction can result in adverse effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, or excessive drowsiness. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid concomitant use of tizanidine with other drugs that may affect its metabolism, if possible. Monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is advised in patients who require the use of both medications.

Packaging & NDC

The table below lists all NDC Code configurations of Famotidine, the U.S. brand-name prescription product. Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of famotidine have been established in pediatric patients for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, including duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers, as well as for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which encompasses symptomatic nonerosive GERD and erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopy. The recommended dosage of famotidine in these pediatric patients is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies conducted in adults, along with published pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data specific to pediatric populations.

However, the safety and effectiveness of famotidine for the treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions and for the reduction of the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence in pediatric patients have not been established. Additionally, famotidine 20 mg and 40 mg tablets are not recommended for use in pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg, as these tablet strengths exceed the recommended dose for this weight group. For pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg, alternative formulations of famotidine, such as oral suspension or lower dose tablets, should be considered.

Geriatric Use

In clinical studies involving famotidine, approximately 10% of the 1,442 treated patients were aged 65 and older. These studies did not reveal any overall differences in safety or effectiveness between elderly patients and their younger counterparts. However, caution is warranted when prescribing famotidine to geriatric patients, particularly those with renal impairment, as postmarketing experience has indicated that central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions have been reported in this population, regardless of renal function status.

Given that famotidine is substantially excreted by the kidneys, the risk of adverse reactions may be heightened in elderly patients, especially those with compromised renal function. Therefore, it is recommended to use the lowest effective dose of famotidine in geriatric patients and to closely monitor their renal function throughout the course of treatment. This approach will help mitigate potential risks and ensure the safe use of famotidine in the elderly population.

Pregnancy

Available data regarding the use of H2-receptor antagonists, including famotidine, in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed with oral administration of famotidine at doses up to approximately 243 and 122 times, respectively, the recommended human dose of 80 mg per day for the treatment of erosive esophagitis.

The estimated background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown; however, all pregnancies carry a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is estimated to be 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Reproductive studies conducted in rats and rabbits at oral doses of up to 2000 and 500 mg/kg/day, respectively, as well as intravenous doses of up to 200 mg/kg/day, have revealed no significant evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to famotidine. While no direct fetotoxic effects have been observed, sporadic abortions were noted in some rabbits that exhibited marked decreased food intake at oral doses of 200 mg/kg/day (approximately 49 times the recommended human dose of 80 mg per day, based on body surface area) or higher.

There are, however, no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Given that animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, famotidine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Lactation

There are no specific statements regarding the use of this medication in nursing mothers or its effects on lactation. Additionally, there is no available data on the excretion of this medication in breast milk or its potential effects on breastfed infants. Healthcare professionals should consider the absence of information when advising lactating mothers about the use of this medication.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment, particularly elderly individuals, are at an increased risk for adverse effects. It is recommended that the dosage be reduced in these patients to mitigate potential risks associated with reduced kidney function. Careful monitoring of renal function is advised to ensure appropriate dosing adjustments are made.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be considered as part of standard clinical practice.

Overdosage

In cases of famotidine overdosage, the adverse reactions observed are consistent with those associated with the administration of recommended dosages. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for these reactions, which may include a range of symptoms typically linked to famotidine use.

Management of overdosage should focus on symptomatic and supportive care. It is essential to remove any unabsorbed material from the gastrointestinal tract promptly. This may involve the use of activated charcoal or other appropriate measures, depending on the clinical scenario. Continuous monitoring of the patient is crucial to assess for any evolving symptoms and to provide necessary supportive therapy.

Due to famotidine's low binding affinity to plasma proteins, hemodialysis may facilitate its elimination from the body. However, it is important to note that there is limited clinical experience regarding the efficacy of hemodialysis in treating famotidine overdosage. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider this option judiciously and in conjunction with other supportive measures.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenic potential of famotidine was evaluated in a 106-week oral carcinogenicity study in rats and a 92-week oral carcinogenicity study in mice. In both studies, conducted at oral doses of up to 2000 mg/kg/day (approximately 243 and 122 times the recommended human dose of 80 mg per day for the treatment of erosive esophagitis), there was no evidence of carcinogenic potential associated with famotidine.

The mutagenic potential of famotidine was assessed using the microbial mutagen test (Ames test) with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, both with and without rat liver enzyme activation, at concentrations up to 10,000 mcg/plate. Results were negative for mutagenicity. Additionally, in vivo studies in mice, including a micronucleus test and a chromosomal aberration test, did not demonstrate any evidence of mutagenic effects.

In reproductive toxicity studies involving rats administered oral doses of up to 2000 mg/kg/day (approximately 243 times the recommended human dose), no adverse effects on fertility or reproductive performance were observed.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has revealed reports of various adverse reactions, including confusion, delirium, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizures, and lethargy. Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment are advised of the potential risk of central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions and are encouraged to report any symptoms to a healthcare provider promptly.

Additionally, there have been reports of QT interval prolongation in patients with moderate and severe renal impairment. These patients should also be vigilant for new cardiac symptoms, such as palpitations, fainting, and dizziness or lightheadedness, and are advised to seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms occur.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise elderly patients and those with moderate to severe renal impairment about the potential risk of central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions associated with the use of famotidine. These reactions may include confusion, delirium, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizures, and lethargy. Patients should be instructed to report any of these symptoms immediately to their healthcare provider.

Additionally, it is important to inform patients with moderate and severe renal impairment about the risk of QT interval prolongation. They should be advised to report any new cardiac symptoms, such as palpitations, fainting, or feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, to their healthcare provider without delay.

Patients should be instructed on the proper administration of famotidine tablets, which may be taken once daily before bedtime or twice daily, as recommended by their healthcare provider. It is acceptable for famotidine tablets to be taken with or without food, and they may also be administered alongside antacids if needed.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a USP tight, light-resistant container to ensure its integrity and stability. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), in accordance with USP Controlled Room Temperature guidelines. Proper storage conditions are essential to maintain the quality and efficacy of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

No further data are available.

FDA Insert (PDF)

This document is the official FDA-approved prescribing information for Famotidine as submitted by BluePoint Laboratories. It includes detailed information about indications, dosage, contraindications, warnings, and clinical pharmacology.

View full prescribing information (PDF)