Famotidine: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Famotidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist used to reduce gastric acid secretion. Its established, evidence-based uses include:

FDA-approved / established indications

• Active duodenal ulcer - short-term treatment and maintenance therapy at reduced dosage to prevent recurrence.
• Active benign gastric ulcer - short-term treatment.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - relief of symptomatic, non-erosive disease (heartburn) and treatment of erosive esophagitis.
• Pathological hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, either alone or as an adjunct to other therapy.

Commonly accepted additional uses

• Relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach (over-the-counter strength, short-term, symptomatic relief).
• Prevention of exercise-induced or meal-induced heartburn when taken before eating.
• Adjunct in stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients (guideline/off-label use, typically hospital-directed).

Famotidine does not cure the underlying acid-related disorder; it controls symptoms and promotes healing while the underlying condition is managed.

The dose and duration of Famotidine therapy depend on the indication being treated. It can be taken with or without food. Doses should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment (see below).

Adult Dosing by Indication

Renal Impairment

Dosage reduction or extended dosing intervals are required when creatinine clearance is below 60 mL/min, since Famotidine is primarily renally excreted. In patients with severe renal impairment, doses are typically reduced by half or the interval extended (e.g., every other day dosing), under physician supervision.

Hepatic Impairment

No specific dosage adjustment is generally required for hepatic impairment alone, as Famotidine undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism, but caution is advised.

Famotidine is generally well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and transient.

Common side effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth

Less common / rare side effects

• Fatigue and drowsiness, or insomnia
• Confusion, agitation, hallucinations, or other CNS effects (mainly in elderly patients or those with renal impairment - see Precautions)
• Rash or itching
• Tachycardia or palpitations
• Rare hematologic effects (e.g., thrombocytopenia)
• Rare severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) or anaphylaxis

Patients should seek prompt medical attention for signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing, severe rash) or unusual symptoms such as severe confusion.