Famotidine

Famotidine

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Trade names	Pepcid
Therapeutic class	Antiulcer, antisecretory
Pharmacologic class	Histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist
Onset / peak / duration	Onset within 1 hour; duration 10 to 12 hours.
Half-life / level	Half-life 2.5 to 3.5 hours; no routine level.
Routes	PO (oral), IV
High-alert (ISMP)	No
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	Not applicable.
Pregnancy / lactation	Considered relatively safe when needed.

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Famotidine (brand name Pepcid) — Antiulcer, antisecretory; Histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist.

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Antiulcer, antisecretory.
• Pharmacologic class: Histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist.

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Blocks H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells to reduce acid secretion.
• Onset / peak / duration: Onset within 1 hour; duration 10 to 12 hours.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 2.5 to 3.5 hours; no routine level.

Clinical use

• Indications: GERD, peptic ulcer, heartburn, stress ulcer prophylaxis (IV).
• Usual dose, route, frequency: 20 to 40 mg PO daily or twice daily; IV in hospital.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Reduce in renal impairment.

Safety

• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: Reduces absorption of drugs needing acid (some antifungals, atazanavir).
• Pregnancy / lactation: Considered relatively safe when needed.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Headache, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea.
• Serious effects to report: Confusion in elderly or renal impairment, hypersensitivity.
• Antidote / reversal: Not applicable.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Symptoms, renal function.
• Interventions during therapy: Adjust dose in kidney disease.
• Monitor: Symptom relief, mental status in elderly.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Reduced acid symptoms.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Can be taken with or without food.
• Notify provider if: Confusion, persistent symptoms, black stools.
• Administration tips: With or without food.