- Body system
- Gastrointestinal
- Brand names
- Pepcid, Pepcid AC
What is Famotidine used for?
- GERD and heartburn
- Gastric and duodenal ulcers
- Stress ulcer prophylaxis (IV)
How Famotidine works
H2 receptor antagonist: blocks histamine at the parietal cells and lowers acid secretion.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Confusion in older adults and in kidney impairment
Report right away
- New confusion or agitation
- Black stools or vomiting blood
Nursing considerations for Famotidine
- Dose is reduced in kidney impairment.
- Assess mental status in older adults.
Patient teaching
- For heartburn prevention, take it 15 to 60 minutes before food or drinks that trigger symptoms, as the product directs.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and foods that worsen symptoms.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Acid reducers (PPIs and H2 blockers) practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Famotidine belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which suffix identifies a proton pump inhibitor?
Show answer
Answer C: -prazole Proton pump inhibitors end in -prazole (omeprazole, pantoprazole). H2 blockers end in -tidine.
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Which risk is associated with long-term PPI therapy?
Show answer
Answer C: C. difficile infection and bone fractures Prolonged acid suppression is linked to C. difficile, fractures, low magnesium and low vitamin B12.
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An older adult receiving IV famotidine becomes confused. What should the nurse consider?
Show answer
Answer D: H2 blockers can cause confusion, especially in older adults or kidney impairment H2 blockers can accumulate and cause CNS effects in older adults and in kidney impairment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Famotidine used for?
GERD and heartburn; Gastric and duodenal ulcers; Stress ulcer prophylaxis (IV).
What drug class is Famotidine?
Famotidine belongs to the class acid reducers (PPIs and H2 blockers). H2 receptor antagonist: blocks histamine at the parietal cells and lowers acid secretion.
What are the nursing considerations for Famotidine?
Dose is reduced in kidney impairment. Assess mental status in older adults.
What should patients report while taking Famotidine?
new confusion or agitation; black stools or vomiting blood.