Pet Medication 101: Pepcid

1. Drug Name:

famotidine

2. Common Name or Brand Name:

Pepcid

3. How Dispensed:

Over the counter and prescription

4. Forms:

Tablets (10 and 20 mg), gelcaps (40 mg) suspension, injection

5. Drug Type/Class:

Antacid

6. Uses in Cats and Dogs:

Famotidine reduces stomach acid secretion. This is helpful in pets with stomach ulcers or to prevent the formation of stomach ulcers. It is also used in animals with esophagitis, reflux, and kidney disease.

7. How it Works:

H2-receptor antagonist

8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdose:

Rapid IV infusion can cause bradycardia (low heart rate).

9. Drug Interactions:

Azole antifungals, cefpodoxime, cyclosporine. Reduced absorption because of higher stomach pH

10. Cautionary Statements:

Use caution in pets with severe heart, kidney, and liver disease.

Use caution in pets that are pregnant or nursing.

Read more:

Pet Medication 101: Pepto-Bismol

Pet Medication 101: Simethicone

Pet Medication 101: Zantac

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