Alternate Name(s):
Pepcid
Classification:
Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonist
Original Date:
February 2012
Revised Date:
April 2015
Indications:
- Treatment and prevention of stress ulcers and gastro-intestinal hemorrhage
- Treatment of esophagitis
Administration:
- IV direct: over at least 2 minutes
- IV intermittent infusion: over 15 - 30 minutes
- PO
Dosage:
- Neonates
- IV: 0.5 mg/kg/dose once daily
- PO: 0.5 mg/kg/dose once daily
- Infants (corrected GA > 42 weeks and PNA > 4 weeks)
- IV: 0.25 - 0.5 mg/kg/dose once daily
- PO: 0.5 mg/kg/dose once daily
- Infants > 3 months to 1 year
- IV: 0.25 - 0.5 mg/kg/dose once daily
- PO: 0.5 mg/kg/dose twice daily
Dosage adjustment required in renal impairment. Refer to available references or clinical pharmacist for dosage adjustment.
Side Effects:
- CVS: bradycardia, tachycardia, AV block, palpitations, hypertension, angioedema
- Dermatologic: rash
- Hematologic:: thrombocytopenia
- Hepatic: increase in liver enzymes
- Renal: BUN and serum creatinine elevated
Parameters to Monitor:
- HR and BP
- BUN and serum creatinine
- Liver function tests
Reconstitution and Stability:
- Famotidine 10 mg/mL
- Take 1 mL (10 mg) and add to 19 mL D5W
- Final concentration: 0.5 mg/mL
Compatibility:
- Solutions Compatible: dextrose solutions up to D10W, 0.9% NaCl
- Y-site Compatible: acyclovir, ampicillin, cefazolin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, dexamethasone, gentamicin, heparin, insulin, midazolam, morphine, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, TPN (amino acids- dextrose), vancomycin
- Incompatible: azithromycin, piperacillin-tazobactam, SMOF
References:
- Taketomo CK, Hodding JH, Kraus DM. Pediatric Dosage Handbook 20th Edition. Hudson: Lexi-Comp Inc; 2013
- Wu, Yan-Yong. Efficacy and safety of famotidine for the treatment of stress ulcers in neonates. Chinese Journal of Contempory Pediatrics; 2008-05