The drug "Famotidine": reviews of doctors about the application

The increased acidity of gastric juice contributes not only to the appearance of unpleasant sensations, but also to the development of such serious diseases as erosion and ulceration of the mucous membrane. Therefore, at the first sign of such a deviation, you should immediately consult a gastroenterologist.

The benefit today is produced by many different drugs that inhibit the secretion of hydrochloric acid. The most inexpensive and affordable drugs include the drug "Famotidine." The doctors' comments on the medicine will be presented later.

Form of release, packaging, description and composition

The drug "Famotidine" is available in the form of small tablets. They have a round and biconcave form, as well as a shell of yellow or brown.

The active substance of this agent is famotidine. In addition, the formulation includes auxiliary components in the form of magnesium stearate, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, talc and sodium croscarmellose.

As for the shell, it consists of hypromellose, talc, macrogol 6000, titanium dioxide (E171) and iron oxide brown dye.

The drug "Famotidine", a photo of which is presented in this article, is produced in blisters, which are contained in packs of cardboard.

Pharmacology of antiulcer drug

What is remarkable about the "Famotidine" medication? The reviews say that it is a competitive histamine antagonist. By acting on H2-histamine receptors of parietal cells, it reduces the secretion of hydrochloric acid caused by various stimuli. It also reduces its basal production. In this case, to a lesser degree, oppression of secretion caused by pepsinogen occurs.

Admission of the drug in question does not change the level of gastrin in the blood. The duration of its action for a single application depends on the dosage and is 12-25 hours.

Kinetics of the drug

Where is the absorption of the drug Famotidine? The reviews say that after ingestion, the drug is quickly absorbed from the digestive tract. In this case, the peak of its concentration is reached in the blood for 1-3 hours.

The connection with plasma proteins is 17-20%. The drug is excreted with the mother's milk and penetrates the placental barrier.

Approximately 30-37% of famotidine is metabolized in the liver. Its withdrawal from the body is through the kidneys.

Indications

Why is the preparation Famotidine shown? The use of this remedy positively affects the condition of the digestive system with:

• Erosive gastroduodenitis;
• Ulcer and prevention of its recurrence;
• Functional dyspepsia ;
• Symptomatic and stressful ulcers;
• Reflux-esophagitis;
• Polyendocrine adenomatosis;
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome;
• Systemic mastocytosis;
• Prevent the recurrence of bleeding in the postoperative time;
• Prevention of aspiration of gastric juice in people who undergo surgery under general anesthesia (with Mendelssohn syndrome) ;
• Prevention of aspiration pneumonitis;
• Dyspepsia with retrosternal or epigastric pain that occurs at night or after eating.

Contraindications to taking antiulcer pills

When should you not take "Famotidine" tablets? Reviews say that the contraindications for this drug are the following conditions:

• breast-feeding;
• pregnancy;
• Age up to three years and body weight up to 20 kg;
• Hypersensitivity to famotidine and other blockers of H2-histamine receptors.

With special care this drug is prescribed for immunodeficiency, liver or kidney deficiency, in childhood and cirrhosis with encephalopathy (portosystemic).

How should I take Famotidine pill?

The reviews say that this medicine is taken orally, without chewing.

Adults with a gastrointestinal ulcer and erosive gastroduodenitis are prescribed 20 mg of the drug twice a day. If required, the daily dosage can be increased to 80 or 160 mg. Such therapy should last at least 4-8 weeks.

In the presence of dyspepsia, which is associated with increased secretory work of the stomach, patients are prescribed 20 mg once a day.

To prevent the recurrence of ulcers, the drug is taken at a dose of 20 mg per day at bedtime.

With Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the dosage of the drug and the length of the course of therapy are set individually. The initial dose of medication with this diagnosis is usually 20 mg. It is taken every 6 hours. If necessary, it can be increased to 160 mg.

With reflux-esophagitis, the drug is used 20-40 mg twice a day for six to twelve weeks.

Children older than three years with ulcers and reflux esophagitis medication prescribed at a rate of 2 mg / kg per day.

Side effects

What side effects are inherent in the drug Famotidine? Comments of doctors indicate the following reactions:

• Dry mouth, fatigue, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, drowsiness, constipation, anorexia, nervousness, increased activity of liver enzymes, skin rash, acute pancreatitis;
• Confusion, bradycardia, hallucinations, vasculitis, hyperthermia;
• Arrhythmia, dry skin, decreased blood pressure, AV blockade;
• Alopecia, leukopenia, acne vulgaris, blurred vision, antideurotic edema, itching, agranulocytosis, bronchospasm;
• Headache, nausea, insomnia, restlessness, flatulence, tinnitus, diarrhea, depression, hepatitis, psychosis, paresis of accommodation;
• Anaphylactic shock, hypoplasia, hypersensitivity manifestations;
• Thrombocytopenia, amenorrhea, pancytopenia, hyperprolactinemia, bone marrow aplasia;
• Gynecomastia, impotence, fever, joint pain;
• Decreased libido, muscle pain, increased urea levels in the blood.

Reviews

Experts say that the drug "Famotidine" is not the most effective antiulcer. Despite this, it is very often used in the complex treatment of diseases of the digestive tract.

As for patients, they claim that during the first days of treatment this drug manifests itself very well. In the future, its effect is terminated.