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.
Dogs and Cats
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.
Famotidine should be used with caution in pets that are pregnant or pets with heart, kidney, or liver disease.
Pepcid
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Overdose is rare. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of famotidine overdose may include vomiting, restlessness, pale gums, rapid heart rate, or collapse.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Give this medication on an empty stomach.
Should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and light.