Antihistamine usually refers to meds belonging to a genre called H1 antagonists. However, even H2 antagonists are also labelled as antihistamine meds. Cimetidine is the foremost discovery in the category of H2 antagonising meds. Launched in mid-1970s, it led to the launch of other meds like lavoltidine, famotidine, ranitidine and nizatidine. But how effective is famotidine for allergies. It is helpful to find more.
Doctors administer drugs called antihistamines to suppress allergic conditions. There are unique forms of such meds. For instance, there are H1 and H2 antagonists. Of these, H2 receptors antagonising antihistamines work on acid levels in your digestive system. Receptors of this histamine are situated on the cell linings of your tummy. On the other hand, H1 antagonists are used for other forms of allergies like sneezing, itchiness, runny nose, nasal blockages, etc.
Drugs with the name ending with ‘-idine’ were hugely popular ever since their launch. A drug called ranitidine is a case in point; it became one of the highest selling meds from mid-1980s onwards. But, the launch of PPIs – i.e., proton pump inhibitors – drugs ending with “-azole”, usage of H2 antagonists antihistamines dropped down in a significant manner. Since then, there is no looking back for meds like omeprazole and other such PPIs.
In this light, what is famotidine?
Famotidine is used for its properties to block histamine H2 receptors. This drug is primarily used for containing the level of acids in your gastric system. This med reduces quantum of acids made in your stomach. Key chemicals are slow in getting absorbed to your system. This makes famotidine a very-slow starter. Often, it may take more than 100 minutes for it start functioning.
Famotidine
This drug also takes a longer time to attain its highest concentration level; it reaches it by taking more than 2.5 hours from dosage time. Perhaps to make up for its slow-starting properties, famotidine’s effects are known to last long. Effects of this histamine H2-receptor antagonist stays on beyond 7.5 hours.
Famotidine is sold in the form of an injection and as a tablet. Caregivers prescribe it to treat symptoms of heartburn. As an extended use, it can also work on ulcers in your duodenum and stomach. Research done on famotidine indicates that it decreases acid levels at 7.3 mmol every 35 minutes.
This drug’s use is recommended for treating GERD i.e., gastroesophageal reflux disease, to keep ulcers at bay and to manage side effects in your gastric tract – triggered by use of NSAIDs – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and / or ibuprofen.
Famotidine used for allergies
Famotidine is taken for the treatment of allergies in your gastric system. It can effectively handle allergic reactions caused by excessive production of acids. This drug is however taken only for a shorter time-span. The good thing about this antihistamine med is it can be used in combination with antacids. In general, this med interacts less with other drugs barring a few meds of the H2 antagonists genre.
Generic version of famotidine is also easily available in web-based drugstores as well as other types of pharmacies. With such versions, you get to save more on dollars. People living with kidney-based problems like a drop of rate of filtration must keep their doctor informed of such conditions. Among such people, excessive use can cause spells of confusion, anxieties, weird dreams or thoughts and hallucinations.
Upon encountering severe side effects like seizures or fits, consult with your caregiver as quickly as possible. If you witness lack of coordination and a sizable impact on your motor skills, call 911 in US. As an alternative, you may also dial the helpline of FDA. In Canada, you can reach out to poison helpline numbers or take assistance from Health Canada. Lastly, if you aim to know more about famotidine for allergies, talk to your caregiving team and / or a pharmacist.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Epidemiology from Harvard University. Experience: 10 years of writing experience, including articles on infectious diseases and public health for leading health publications and research blogs.
