Famotidine is a drug that can be given to dogs to treat gastrointestinal conditions. Famotidine is also famous as famotidine hydrochloride or famotidine HCl. A veterinarian prescribes famotidine to dogs to reduce the production of stomach acid in dogs, which can help treat stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and gastritis. Moreover, It is one of the most commonly-prescribed drugs for dogs in the United States and is available as both a prescription drug and over-the-counter. It is typically known by the brand name Pepcid.
Uses Of Famotidine For Dogs
Famotidine is mainly used for the treatment of stomach ulcers. Its inhibition of acid production makes it suitable for treating various other conditions related to acid levels. Famotidine has several purposes for dogs:
- Famotidine is used to treat gastric issues and intestinal ulcers or erosions.
- Famotidine is helpful in the treatment of stomach inflammation caused by kidney failure.
- Famotidine is helpful for dogs with mast cell tumors.
- Famotidine can also treat nausea in dogs and pets with a low appetite.
Dosage Of Famotidine For Dogs
Famotidine comes in both forms, i.e., tablets or powder. Tablets come in 10, 20, and 40-mg doses, while the quantity of powder depends on the health. The dosage completely relays on the weight of the dog. The vet tells you the proper dosage for your dog, but the dosage is often between 0.22 and 0.44 mg per pound of body weight given twice a day.
The medication does not require a prescription and is sold as an over-the-counter medication. You may avoid giving famotidine immediately after food. Consult your vet for the exact timing of the medication. Furthermore, famotidine is for humans; it doesn’t have FDA approval for animal use, but vets can still prescribe it as an off-label treatment. Remember, if your dog serves as an emotional support animal, we recommend you contact your medical health professional before giving any medication or setting any dosage limits.
Side Effects Of Famotidine in Dogs
There are no major side effects of famotidine in dogs. That’s why vets often recommend famotidine over other medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
Some minor side effects Are:
- Low appetite
- Constipation
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
Famotidine may not be safe for dogs with liver and kidney problems. The drug can also pass through breastfeeding, so vets may not recommend it for dogs who are feeding puppies. Signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or breathing difficulties are associated with the overdoses, so avoid overdoses.
What drugs interact with famotidine?
It has minimal drug interactions. However, the main job of famotidine is to decrease gastric acid. So, the pH alteration can impact the absorption of other orally administered medications. These drugs include iron supplements and antifungal drugs such as
- Heart medications (digoxin)
- Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine)
- Other acid reflux medications (cisapride)
- Certain antibiotics (cefpodoxime, cefuroxime)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine)
- Azole antifungal medications (ketoconazole, fluconazole, etc.)
Some antacids can diminish the absorption of famotidine. Whereas, medical health professionals recommend separating oral administration between other drugs by one hour
How do I store famotidine?
Famotidine tablets need to store away from light in a tight container. Store it at room temperature. The powder needs to store in a tight container in a dry place below 40 °C (104 °F). Once you make a liquid from powder, the liquid should be stored at less than 30°C (86°F) and discarded after 30 days. We still recommend following the instructions on the bottle carefully.
Conclusion:
Overdose of famotidine can lead to itching, loss of hearing, weakness, high blood pressure, or heart problems. Follow your vet’s dosage guidelines, and contact your vet if you see side effects. Let us know if you want an ESA Letter for your ESA. We are Fast ESA Letter, a legitimate service provider company.
