Famotidine

General Description: Famotidine is used in dogs and cats to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced, and to treat and protect against gastric ulcers. It is also used to treat inflammation of, or reflux from, the stomach and esophagus. Famotidine is available in 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg tablets as well as an oral powder/liquid.

What is this drug?

An H2 receptor agonist
Injectable forms can be given in the veterinary clinic, but there are several forms that can be given by mouth at home
Reasons for prescribing:

Used to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced, plus to treat ulcers and protect against ulcer formation
Used in the treatment of gastritis and esophagitis (inflammation of the stomach and esophagus, respectively)
Used to treat gastric and esophageal reflux
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

Use during pregnancy can affect weight gain. Use with caution.
Avoid use of famotidine if your pet is nursing puppies/kittens
Use with caution in older pets or those with heart, liver or kidney disease
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to famotidine or like products before
Directions:

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. It is usually given once or twice a day .

Read and follow the label carefully.

Give on an empty stomach if at all possible. Food will decrease its effectiveness.

Give this medication for as long as veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.

Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:

If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:

Famotidine tablets should be stored in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Famotidine oral liquids should be refrigerated.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Possible side effects:

This medication is usually well tolerated
Possible loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue
May have a temporary increase in stomach acid production when famotidine is discontinued
May decrease white blood cell count, especially if your pet is also receiving other bone marrow suppressing drugs (ex. azathioprine)
Intravenous use in cats may cause red blood cell damage
If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?

Yes, but possible interactions may occur with antacids, digoxin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, metoclopramide, sucralfate, vitamins and supplements.
Give famotidine 2 hours before or after other medications
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, famotidine should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

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