H2-receptor antagonists

Famotidine

Approved 16 Apr 2001InjectionInjectable

The FDA lists this product in 60 strengths and forms.

Indications

Famotidine Injection, supplied as a concentrated solution for intravenous injection, is intended for intravenous use only. Famotidine Injection is indicated in some hospitalized patients with pathological hypersecretory conditions or intractable ulcers, or as an alternative to the oral dosage forms for short term use in patients who are unable to take oral medication for the following conditions: Short term treatment of active duodenal ulcer.

Most adult patients heal within 4 weeks; there is rarely reason to use famotidine at full dosage for longer than 6 to 8 weeks. Studies have not assessed the safety of famotidine in uncomplicated active duodenal ulcer for periods of more than eight weeks. Maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of an active ulcer. Controlled studies in adults have not extended beyond one year. Short term treatment of active benign gastric ulcer.

Most adult patients heal within 6 weeks. Studies have not assessed the safety or efficacy of famotidine in uncomplicated active benign gastric ulcer for periods of more than 8 weeks. Short term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Famotidine is indicated for short term treatment of patients with symptoms of GERD (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY IN ADULTS, Clinical Studies ). Famotidine is also indicated for the short term treatment of esophagitis due to GERD including erosive or ulcerative disease diagnosed by endoscopy (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY IN ADULTS, Clinical Studies ).

Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas) (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY IN ADULTS, Clinical Studies ).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of these products. Cross sensitivity in this class of compounds has been observed. Therefore, Famotidine Injection should not be administered to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other H 2 -receptor antagonists.

Warnings and precautions

Famotidine Injection 4 mL and 20 mL multiple dose vials contain the preservative benzyl alcohol. There have been reports of fatal ‘gasping syndrome’ in neonates (children less than one month of age) following the administration of intravenous solutions containing the preservative benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include a striking onset of gasping respiration, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Benzyl alcohol, given its small size, presumably crosses the placental barrier into immature fetal tissues as readily as it crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Adverse reactions

The adverse reactions listed below have been reported during domestic and international clinical trials in approximately 2,500 patients. In those controlled clinical trials in which famotidine tablets were compared to placebo, the incidence of adverse experiences in the group which received famotidine tablets, 40 mg at bedtime, was similar to that in the placebo group. The following adverse reactions have been reported to occur in more than 1% of patients on therapy with famotidine in controlled clinical trials, and may be causally related to the drug: headache (4.7%), dizziness (1.3%), constipation (1.2%) and diarrhea (1.7%).

The following other adverse reactions have been reported infrequently in clinical trials or since the drug was marketed. The relationship to therapy with famotidine has been unclear in many cases. Within each category the adverse reactions are listed in order of decreasing severity. Body as a Whole: fever, asthenia, fatigue Cardiovascular: arrhythmia, AV block, palpitation, prolonged QT interval Gastrointestinal: cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, elevated liver enzyme, vomiting, nausea, abdominal discomfort, anorexia, dry mouth Hematologic: agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia Hypersensitivity: anaphylaxis, angioedema, orbital or facial edema, urticaria, rash, conjunctival injection, bronchospasm Musculoskeletal: rhabdomyolysis, musculoskeletal pain, muscle cramps, arthralgia Nervous System/Psychiatric: seizure, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, decreased libido, paresthesia, insomnia, somnolence Respiratory: interstitial pneumonia Skin: toxic epidermal necrolysis/Stevens Johnson syndrome, pruritus, dry skin, flushing Special Senses: tinnitus, taste disorder Other: impotence The adverse reactions reported for Famotidine Tablets may also occur with Famotidine for Oral Suspension or Famotidine Injection.

In addition, transient irritation at the injection site has been observed with Famotidine Injection. Pediatric Patients In a clinical study in 35 pediatric patients <1 year of age with GERD symptoms [e.g. vomiting (spitting up), irritability (fussing)], agitation was observed in 5 patients on famotidine that resolved when the medication was discontinued. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sagent Pharmaceuticals at 1-866-625-1618 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Famotidine

Indications

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

Two medicines in one question?

Interactions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Adverse reactions

Composition

Strengths and forms

Official product information

At a glance

Guidelines