Famas
Generic Name
Famotidine
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals PLC
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
famas 40 mg suspension | ৳ 50.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Famotidine is an H2-receptor antagonist used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines, and conditions that cause excess stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For active duodenal ulcer: 40 mg once daily at bedtime, or 20 mg twice daily for 4-8 weeks. For GERD: 20 mg or 40 mg twice daily for up to 12 weeks. The suspension form typically allows for flexible dosing and easier administration.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment needed for elderly patients with normal renal function. In renal impairment, dose adjustment is necessary.
Renal_impairment
For creatinine clearance <10 mL/min, reduce the dose to 20 mg once daily or extend the dosing interval to 36-48 hours. Dose adjustments are not typically required for creatinine clearance >10 mL/min.
How to Take
Shake the bottle well before each use. Administer orally using the provided measuring device. May be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding duration of treatment.
Mechanism of Action
Famotidine selectively blocks histamine H2-receptors on the gastric parietal cells, leading to a significant reduction in both basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion and pepsin secretion.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1 hour
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in urine (65-70% of an intravenous dose and 25-30% of an oral dose). Renal excretion is via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.
Half life
2.5-3.5 hours (can be prolonged in renal impairment)
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability is 40-45% and is not significantly affected by food.
Metabolism
Partially metabolized in the liver to an inactive sulfoxide metabolite. Approximately 25-30% of an oral dose is metabolized.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to famotidine or other H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine)
- Patients with acute porphyria
Drug Interactions
Antacids
Concurrent administration of antacids may decrease the absorption of famotidine. Administer famotidine 1-2 hours before antacids.
Atazanavir
Famotidine may significantly decrease plasma levels of Atazanavir, reducing its efficacy. Avoid co-administration.
Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Cefpodoxime
Famotidine may decrease the absorption of drugs that require an acidic gastric pH for absorption by increasing gastric pH. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze.
Overdose
Experience with famotidine overdose is limited. Symptoms may include hypotension, tachycardia, vomiting, and central nervous system (CNS) effects such as restlessness and convulsions. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage or activated charcoal if recent ingestion. Hemodialysis may remove famotidine from the blood.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Famotidine is excreted into breast milk; caution is advised for breastfeeding mothers. Consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 months (unopened)
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
FDA Approved
Patent Status
Expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Famotidine has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in various acid-related disorders. Studies have confirmed its ability to heal ulcers, reduce GERD symptoms, and maintain remission in patients.
Lab Monitoring
- No routine laboratory monitoring is typically required for healthy individuals.
- Renal function should be monitored in patients with kidney impairment and dose adjusted accordingly.
- Liver function tests may be considered in patients with pre-existing liver disease or those developing symptoms suggestive of hepatotoxicity.
Doctor Notes
- For patients presenting with alarm symptoms (e.g., dysphagia, odynophagia, weight loss, GI bleeding), further investigation (e.g., endoscopy) is warranted before initiating H2RA therapy.
- Adjust dose in renal impairment to avoid accumulation and potential adverse effects.
- Counsel patients on appropriate lifestyle modifications to enhance treatment outcomes and prevent recurrence.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Famas-40 mg suspension exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking the medicine early, even if your symptoms improve, unless advised by your doctor.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Report any unusual side effects or worsening of symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Famas may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some individuals. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid or limit consumption of foods and beverages that can trigger or worsen symptoms of acid reflux, such as spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones.
- Elevate the head of your bed if you experience nighttime heartburn or reflux.
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
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