Famotidine is a non-prescription medication used in dogs and cats to reduce the amount of stomach acid being produced. Although Famotidine is not FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.
For: Dogs and Cats
Benefits:
•
Useful in the treatment and prevention of gastric (stomach) and intestinal ulcers
•
Helps heal ulcers that are already present
How it works:
Famotidine blocks H-2 receptors from secreting gastric acids into the stomach. Blocking these receptors prevents ulcers from forming and also helps present ulcers time to heal.
Cautions:
Famotidine should be used with caution in pets that are pregnant or pets with heart, kidney, or liver disease.
More Information:
Brand Name Pepcid
Generic Name famotidine
What is the most important information I should know about famotidine: Famotidine is a non-prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced. Famotidine is available as packages containing 30 x 10mg tablets. The usual dose in dogs is 0.22mg to 0.44mg per pound every 12 to 24 hours. The usual dose in cats is 0.22mg per pound every 12 to 24 hours.
What is Famotidine: Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist. H2 receptor antagonists are use to reduce the production of stomach acid. Famotidine aids in the healing of stomach ulcers and stomach ulcer formation. Famotidine is also used to treat gastritis, esophagitis, and GERD. Famotidine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving famotidine to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has heart, liver, or kidney disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant since it may affect weight gain.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Famotidine should not be given with food. Food will decrease its effectiveness. Store famotidine at room temperature away from moisture and light. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don¿t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Overdose is rare. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of famotidine overdose may include vomiting, restlessness, pale gums, rapid heart frate, or collapse.
What should I avoid while giving Famotidine to my pet: Famotidine should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use famotidine with caution in animals with heart, kidney, or liver disease. Use with caution in pregnant females.
What are the possible side effects of Famotidine: For dogs and cats, if any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving famotidine and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). Side effects are rare but may include loss of appetite and tiredness. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Famotidine: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given antacids, metoclopramide, Sucralfate, digoxin, or ketoconazole as interactions can occur. Give famotidine 2 hours before or 2 hours after the other medications. When given with azathioprine, famotidine may further decrease white blood cell counts. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with famotidine. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including vitamins, and supplements.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Famotidine written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
•
Please refer to the chart below for proper dosage.
Tip: Give this medication on an empty stomach.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Amount
Dogs/Puppies:
All weights
0.22 mg-0.44 mg per pound every 12-24 hours
Cats/Kittens:
0.22 mg per pound every 12-24 hours
Horses:
Storage: Should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and light.
Famotidine 10 mg
:
Active Ingredients
Amount
Famotidine
10 mg
Famotidine
5
5
1
1
Works great
My cat has kidney failure and was being given a tiny dose of famotidine by the vet....10 mg spread over 15 days, in cherry syrup....to help with her vomiting. While it was helping her control her upset stomach, a change in management at the vet coupled with a 400% increase in price, made me want to seek out alternatives.
After reading the dosing instructions for this product, I realized that I could provide Sinclair with a much more concentrated dosage myself...simply by investing some time in cutting up the 10 mg tablets into quarters & grinding them. I mix the powder with some water and give it to her with an oral syringe.....she doesn't complain and her stomach has been so much better than it ever was with the vet's meds.
Thank you, thank you!
01/01/2012
I gave my 11lb Shih Tzu a whole pill (10mg) because she ate half a hot dog. She once had pancreatitis caused by eating a sausage a child left on the floor. Will one dose that large hurt her?
Overdose is rare. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of famotidine overdose may include vomiting, restlessness, pale gums, rapid heart frate, or collapse.
She has been on this for a few months. I am giving her 1/2 pill morning and evening, but she is only 5 lbs.She has benn scratching and I read this can cause dry skin, so I wondered is I was giving her too much?
That dose is a little more than the recommended dose for her weight, you can try giving 1/4 tablet in the morning and evening and see how she does with that.
The dose for an adult human in the box calls for 1 pill ( and not to take more than two pills in 24 hrs) to be taken on an empty stomach. Wouldn't this dose be too much medication for a 9 pound dog? Just wonder. Thanks for the advise.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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