Questions and Answers
What is the medication class of Famotidine?
Histamine (H2) receptor antagonist
What is the mechanism of action of Famotidine?
Blocks histamine H2 receptors on parietal cells of the stomach to decrease production of gastric acid
What are the therapeutic uses of Famotidine?
Treatment and prevention of duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, GERD, hypersecretory states such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Approved OTC uses are heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
What are the common adverse effects of Famotidine?
Signup and view all the answers
What precautions should be taken when prescribing Famotidine?
Signup and view all the answers
What drug interactions should be considered with Famotidine?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the pharmacokinetics of Famotidine?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the nursing implications when administering Famotidine?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Medication Class
- Famotidine is classified as a histamine (H2) receptor antagonist.
Mechanism of Action
- It functions by blocking H2 receptors on parietal cells in the stomach, leading to reduced production of gastric acid.
Therapeutic Uses
- Utilized in the treatment and prevention of:
- Duodenal ulcers
- Gastric ulcers
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hypersecretory states, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Over-the-counter (OTC) uses include relief from:
- Heartburn
- Acid indigestion
- Sour stomach
Adverse Effects
- Common adverse effects are relatively rare but may include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Increased risk of pneumonia has been noted.
Precautions, Warnings, and Contraindications
- Dosage adjustments may be necessary for:
- Older adults
- Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment
Drug Interactions
- Changes in gastric pH can affect the absorption of certain medications, specifically:
- Itraconazole (antifungal)
- Indinavir (HIV antiviral)
- Acid-reducing agents can decrease the absorption of these drugs.
Pharmacokinetics
- Antisecretory effects begin within one hour after oral administration and within 30 minutes when given intravenously.
- The half-life is approximately 2.5-3.5 hours, which may be extended in patients with renal impairment.
Nursing Implications
- Pre-administration assessment includes:
- Evaluating patient symptoms
- Assessing potential drug interactions
- Administration methods:
- Available orally or via IV
- Dosage and frequency depend on specific indication
- Oral famotidine can be ingested without consideration of meals, while for heartburn prevention, it should be taken 15-60 minutes prior to meals that typically induce heartburn.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz provides an in-depth look at Famotidine, a histamine (H2) receptor antagonist. Explore its mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, precautions, and drug interactions. Test your knowledge on this essential medication!
