Parenteral Manual

Famotidine

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
PEPCID
Classification: 
Histamine H2 receptor antagonist
Original Date: 
March 2012
Revised Date: 
December 2019
Indications: 
  • Treatment and prophylaxis of duodenal ulcer,benign gastric ulcer
  • Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Reconstitution and Stability: 
  • Available as 10 mg/mL solution
  • Protect from light.  Store in refrigerator
  • Multidose vial stable for 28 days refrigerated after puncture
Compatibility: 

- Solutions Compatible:  dextrose solutions up to D10W, 0.9% NaCl, Lactated Ringer's , TPN (amino acids/dextrose)

- Additive/ Above Cassette compatible:  cefazolin, flumazenil, vancomycin

- Y-site compatible:  ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, dexamethasone, gentamicin, heparin, insulin, magnesium, midazolam, morphine, ondansetron, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate

- Incompatible:  azithromycin, piperacillin-tazobactam

Administration: 

(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)

SC NO
IM NO
IV Direct YES
Usual dilution:  0.5 mg/mL
Infusion time:  greater than 2 minutes
Infusion rate not to exceed 10 mg/minute
IV Intermittent Infusion YES
Usual dilution:  0.5 mg/mL
Infuion time:  15 - 30 minutes
IV Continuous Infusion YES
Daily dose may be added to TPN
Dosage: 

(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)

Pediatric: 

Infants greater than or equal to 3 months to 1 year:

     - 0.25 - 0.5 mg/kg/dose once daily

1 - 16 years:

  • 0.25 mg/kg/dose IV Q12H  (Maximum dose:  20 mg/dose, 40 mg/day)
  • Doses of up to 0.5 mg/kg/dose have been used in clinical studies

Adults:

  • 20 mg/dose IV Q12H
  • Maximum 40 mg/day

DOSAGE ADJUSTMENT IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT:

  • CrCl 30 - 50 mL/minute:  administer 0.5 mg/kg Q24H
  • CrCl 10 - 29 mL/minute:  administer 0.25 mg/kg Q24H
  • Cr Cl < 10 mL/minute:  administer 0.125 mg/kg Q24H
Potential hazards of parenteral administration: 
  • Headache, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea

The information contained on this website is provided for informational purposes only, as a guide to assist physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers in deciding on the appropriate care required for a particular patient. At all times, physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers must exercise their independent clinical judgment, based on their knowledge, training and experience, taking into account the specific facts and circumstances of each patient, when deciding on the appropriate course of investigation and/or treatment to recommend in a particular clinical situation.

CHEO has made every effort to ensure that the information contained on this website is as current and accurate as possible. However, changes can occur due to ongoing research and the constant influx of new information. Where possible, hospitals and healthcare practitioners should verify the information before acting on it.

Reliance on any information in this website is at the user's own risk. CHEO is not responsible or liable for any harm, loss or other consequences from the use or misuse of the information on this website.