Medicine Information

Famoloc

Name: Famoloc
Brand: Famoloc
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Oral Suspension40 mgH2-receptor antagonistATC: A02BA03

Generic Name

famoloc-40-mg-suspension

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
famoloc 40 mg suspension	৳ 50.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Famoloc-40-mg-suspension contains Famotidine, an H2-receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production. It is used to treat and prevent various conditions like stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

Uses & Indications

Treatment of active duodenal ulcer

Treatment of active benign gastric ulcer

Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Treatment of erosive esophagitis due to GERD

Pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome)

Prevention of recurrence of duodenal ulcer

Dosage

Adults

Active Duodenal Ulcer: 40 mg orally once daily at bedtime or 20 mg twice daily for 4-8 weeks. GERD: 20-40 mg orally twice daily for up to 12 weeks. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Initial 20 mg every 6 hours; dosage may be increased up to 160 mg every 6 hours. Pediatric (1-16 years) GERD: 1 mg/kg/day divided twice daily, max 40 mg twice daily.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but caution is advised in elderly patients, especially those with renal impairment, due to potential for increased plasma levels.

Renal_impairment

In patients with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, the dose should be reduced to 20 mg at bedtime or the dosing interval should be prolonged to every other day.

How to Take

For oral administration. Shake the bottle well before each use. Can be taken with or without food. Use a measuring device for accurate dosing.

Mechanism of Action

Famotidine competitively blocks histamine at the H2-receptors on the gastric parietal cells, leading to a reduction in gastric acid secretion (both basal and stimulated) and pepsin output. This action helps to heal ulcers and reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within 1 hour

Excretion

Primarily renal; 65-70% of an oral dose is excreted unchanged in urine.

Half life

2.5-3.5 hours (increases in renal impairment)

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Bioavailability is approximately 40-45% after oral administration and is not significantly affected by food.

Metabolism

Minimal hepatic metabolism, forming an inactive sulfoxide metabolite.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to famotidine or other H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine).
Acute porphyria (theoretical risk, but generally avoided).

Drug Interactions

Cefpodoxime

Reduced absorption due to increased gastric pH.

Atazanavir, Rilpivirine

Reduced plasma concentrations of these antiretroviral drugs may occur. Concomitant use with famotidine should be avoided or carefully monitored.

Ketoconazole, Itraconazole

Famotidine can significantly increase gastric pH, leading to reduced absorption of these drugs. Administer these drugs at least 2 hours before famotidine.

Calcium Carbonate/Magnesium Hydroxide (antacids)

Separate administration by at least 1-2 hours to avoid potential interference with famotidine absorption.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include hypotension, tachycardia, vomiting, and central nervous system effects (e.g., restlessness, confusion). Management should be symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage or activated charcoal if recent ingestion. Hemodialysis may be considered for severe renal impairment.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Famotidine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Famotidine is excreted in human breast milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

50 mL bottle100 mL bottle

Shelf Life

24-36 months from manufacturing date, check specific product label for expiry. Once reconstituted, typically 30 days.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Famotidine has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in the treatment of peptic ulcers, GERD, and hypersecretory conditions. Studies have shown comparable efficacy to other H2-blockers and proton pump inhibitors in certain indications.

Lab Monitoring

Regular monitoring of renal function in patients with kidney impairment.
Liver function tests (LFTs) may be considered during prolonged therapy or if liver enzyme elevations occur.

Doctor Notes

Ensure to rule out gastric malignancy before starting therapy for suspected gastric ulcer, as symptomatic response to famotidine does not preclude the presence of malignancy.
Consider dose reduction in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment to prevent accumulation and potential adverse effects.
Counsel patients on lifestyle modifications to complement drug therapy for GERD and peptic ulcer disease.

Patient Guidelines

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking the medication abruptly, even if symptoms improve, without consulting your doctor.
Report any new or worsening symptoms, or unusual side effects, to your doctor.

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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Famoloc may cause dizziness in some individuals. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

Lifestyle Advice

Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn or indigestion (e.g., spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods).
Elevate the head of your bed if you experience nighttime GERD symptoms.
Maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and reduce stress to manage acid reflux.