Drug Groups

approved

Description

A competitive histamine H2-receptor antagonist. Its main pharmacodynamic effect is the inhibition of gastric secretion. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Pharmacology

Famotidine, a competitive histamine H₂-receptor antagonist, is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric or duodenal ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and pathological hypersecretory conditions. Famotidine inhibits many of the isoenzymes of the hepatic CYP450 enzyme system. Other actions of Famotidine include an increase in gastric bacterial flora such as nitrate-reducing organisms.

Toxicity

Intravenous, mouse: LD₅₀ = 244.4mg/kg; Oral, mouse: LD₅₀ = 4686 mg/kg. Symptoms of overdose include emesis, restlessness, pallor of mucous membranes or redness of mouth and ears, hypotension, tachycardia and collapse.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic.

Absorption

The bioavailability of oral doses is 40-45%.

Half Life

2.5-3.5 hours

Protein Binding

15-20%

Elimination

Renal clearance is 250-450 mL/min, indicating some tubular excretion.

Clearance

* renal cl=250-450 mL/min

External Links