Famotidine 20mg (generic to Pepcid)
Generic Name
Famotidine
Indications/Uses
Famotidine is primarily used in the treatment of stomach (gastric) and intestinal ulcers. Gastric ulcer results in the break or erosion in the lining of the esophagus, stomach or small intestines. The severity of the ulcer depends on the depth of the erosion. An anti-ulcer drug, Famotidine belongs to the histamine receptor-2 blocker class. The secretion of gastric acid occurs when H-2 receptors present in the cell membranes of stomach cells are stimulated. By blocking the H-2 receptors, gastric acid will not be secreted, thus helping the ulcer heal. Famotidine should be administered only under the supervision of a veterinarian. This drug also plays an important role in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of gastric, abomasal and duodenal ulcers, uremic gastritis, stress-related or drug-induced erosive gastritis, esophagitis, duodenal gastric reflux and esophageal reflux. Famotidine also assists in the treatment of stomach inflammation caused by kidney failure and helps in combating acid reflux disease to reduce injury to the esophagus. Dogs and cats suffering from mast cell tumors can be treated with Famotidine as these tumors could result in massive secretion of histamine.
Precautions
Famotidine exhibits the tendency to interact with other medications such as digoxin and ketoconazole. Therefore, consult a veterinarian before administering the medicine to the pet.
Side Effects
Famotidine could be responsible for certain side effects in animals. This drug should not be administered to animals with hypersensitivity or allergy. Famotidine should be prescribed with extreme caution in animals with kidney or liver disease.
Dosage Information
Famotidine is available in 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg tablets as well as in the form of oral powder. The recommended dose of Famotidine to be administered to pets is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg) every 12 to 24 hours.