Antihistamines are of several types; of these, H2 antagonising are prescribed to alleviate a few discomforts. These meds are also called H2 blocking antihistamines. These drugs block histamine receptors – i.e., of the H2 kind – present on the inner linings of your gastric system. Through this process, such drugs help reduce the quantum of acids made in your gastric tract. Famotidine is a blocker of H2 receptors. Can you administer famotidine for babies? It is worth your while to have more details.
The label “antihistamine” is used to refer H1 antagonising meds. But, all H2 antagonising drugs that end with ‘-idine’ are also broadly grouped under antihistamines. The first discovery in the histamine H2 genre is cimetidine. It was launched in the mid-1970s. Subsequently, several other drugs were introduced in this realm namely, ranitidine, nizatidine, lavoltidine, famotidine, etc.
Another popular offering is ranitidine. This attained highest level of popularity in the 1980s. However, with the advent of proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, H2 antagonising meds lost their popularity sizably. You may need to know that popularity of omeprazole soared to an unprecedented level ever since its launch.
What is famotidine?
This is one of the antagonists of H2 receptors. This inhibits the production of acids in your gastric tract. Famotidine is available as an oral pill and as an infection i.e., IV. Chief ingredients of this med are absorbed in a slow and gradual manner; due to this, it starts working in 1.5 hours’ time. But, the effects of famotidine last for a fairly longer timespan; they remain for more than 8 hours. This H2 antagonising med reaches its peak level of concentration in about 3 hours from the time of dosing.
Famotidine
Famotidine is administered for the treatment of acid reflux, heartburn. It is also used for treating duodenal and gastric ulcers. Caregivers prescribe it for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (in short, GERD), and also to avoid peptic ulcers caused by the intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Studies show famotidine can reduce acids at the rate of 7.3 mmol per half-hour.
Famotidine 40 mg / 5 ml oral suspension for babies
When your infant spits up too often, you may need to check with a pediatrician to know how to arrest the signs. Typical symptoms include coughing incessantly as well as loss of weight. Research done on this topic shows more than 45% of babies spit-up under three months. They may spit-up once or twice each day soon after being fed.
H2 blocking meds like famotidine are well-tolerated by babies. In fact, famotidine is widely administered to babies for the treatment of acid reflux. The liquid form of famotidine is given to babies. On the other hand, chewable pills are prescribed to kids.
Side effects of famotidine include difficulties to pass stools; in some cases, it may lead to discharge of loose stools. Also, using famotidine for a longer-timespan can cause a few infectious conditions – especially, those triggered by bacteria.
You are advised to follow all the instructions of your pediatrician, while giving famotidine to your baby. It is considered a good practice to administer this H2 antagonist at least 20 – 45 minutes before feeding your baby. Use of over the counter i.e., OTC-based H2 antagonist do not have the approval of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for babies and kids aged below 13 years.
Always remember H2 blocking antihistamines offered to babies for reflux must be based on a certified pediatrician’s prescription. Acids in your baby’s stomach play a vital-role in protecting your infant’s body from gastric infections as well as pneumonia. So, stay watchful of signs of infections your baby may develop during the dosage plan.
In a few cases, your pediatrician may recommend a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) instead of antihistamines; this decision is taken based on the severity of reflux, your kid’s age and onset of other ailments, if any.
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 Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
