FAMOTIDINE EG ® is a Famotidine based drug.
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antireflux - Antiulcer - H2-receptor antagonists
IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects
Indications FAMOTIDINA EG ® Famotidina
FAMOTIDINA EG® is indicated in the treatment of diseases associated with gastric hyperacidity such as reflux esophagitis, duodenal ulcer, benign gastric ulcer and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Mechanism of action FAMOTIDINA EG ® Famotidina
FAMOTIDINE EG ® is a famotidine-based drug belonging to the family of histamine H2 receptor antagonists. Introduced orally, it is absorbed at the level of the gastro-intestinal tract, reaching maximum plasma concentration in a few hours, despite the bioavailability of around 40% of the total dose taken.
Like its analogues, famotidine acts selectively on histamine H2 receptors, competing with gastrin and histamine, inhibiting its functionality.
The molecular action results in a significant reduction, estimated between 76 and 84% of gastric acidity, in a modest reduction of pepsin secretion, and in an appreciable decrease in the volume of both basal and post-meal gastric contents .
After its therapeutic action, which occurs for a period of up to 10 hours, famotidine is partly metabolized by specific liver sulfatases, and eliminated through the urine.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. IPERSENSIBILITY TO FAMOTIDINE
The scientific literature is rich in case-reports that describe the onset of anaphylaxis following the intake of famotidine, with risks that are also serious for the patient's health. This study focuses on the high number of cross-reactions that could increase the risk of clinically relevant allergic manifestations.
2. EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT WITH FAMOTIDINE
In this study conducted on 584 patients suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux oesophagitis, the treatment for 8 weeks with famotidine, guaranteed a reduction of the symptomatology in 71% of the treated cases, with a significant improvement also of the endoscopic picture of the esophageal mucosa.
3. H2 ANTAGONISTS HISTAMINICS AND INHIBITORS OF THE PROTONIC PUMP
This study compared the efficacy of gastroesophageal reflux treatment with proton pump and famotidine inhibitors. Although in both cases both good and short-term results have been obtained, proton pump inhibitors have proved to be more effective and rapid in regressing symptoms.
Method of use and dosage
FAMOTIDINE EG ® 20-40 mg famotodine-coated tablets:
the usual recommended dosage varies from 20 to 80 mg of famotidine daily, depending on clinical and therapeutic needs.
The treatment should last for at least 4-8 weeks, even when the symptoms readily tend to regress, and start with the minimum dose that can guarantee the therapeutic effect.
In any case the therapeutic scheme and the precise dosage, should be formulated by the doctor, after a careful evaluation of the clinical picture of the patient, and its therapeutic goals.
Warnings FAMOTIDINA EG ® Famotidina
The administration of FAMOTIDINA EG ® should be preceded by a careful evaluation of the patient's clinical picture, in order to exclude malignant diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract, whose symptomatology could be masked by the therapeutic action of famotidine, thus delaying the diagnosis and related therapeutic treatment.
Given the hepatic metabolism and renal secretion, the intake of FAMOTIDINA EG ® should be carefully monitored by your doctor, in the case of patients suffering from reduced liver and kidney function.
Drowsiness, headache and dizziness, recorded following the use of FAMOTIDINA EG ® could make the use of machinery and driving vehicles dangerous.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The presence of some clinical trials that do not show particular side effects for the health of the fetus, when famotidine is taken during pregnancy, and different experimental models that highlight the safety of this active ingredient, accredit the hypothesis of a possible use of the medicine in pregnancy.
In any case the intake of FAMOTIDINA EG ® during pregnancy should be limited to cases of real need and only under strict medical supervision.
Famotidine is in part excreted in breast milk, therefore it is advisable to stop breast-feeding during therapy.
Interactions
Famotidine has proved safer than other analogues such as cimetidine, given its very low ability to alter the normal metabolism of other active ingredients through the inhibition of the cytochrome p450 enzyme.
The concomitant administration of antacids, on the other hand, could reduce the gastro-intestinal absorption of the active ingredient, limiting its therapeutic efficacy; for this reason, it would be useful to take famotidine at least 2 hours before the antacid.
Contraindications FAMOTIDINA EG ® Famotidina
FAMOTIDINA EG ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to famotidine or any other active ingredient belonging to the same pharmaceutical category, for possible cross-reactions.
Undesirable effects - Side effects
Several clinical trials and a careful post-marketing evaluation have shown that FAMOTIDINA EG ® can present a better safety profile than other active ingredients belonging to the same pharmaceutical category.
In fact, the most important side effects include constipation or diarrhea, flatulence, migraine headaches and dizziness, however clinically not very relevant.
Clinically more important changes, such as increased transaminases, immunological and hematoclinic problems, have only been observed in a few cases, and readily regressed once therapy has been suspended.
Note
FAMOTIDINA EG ® a drug sold only under medical prescription.
