What does famotidine do for newborns?

Understanding Famotidine for Newborns
Famotidine, a medication commonly known by its brand name Pepcid, is primarily used to reduce stomach acid production. This drug belongs to a class of medications called H2 blockers, which work by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, thereby decreasing the amount of acid produced. For newborns, famotidine is often prescribed to manage conditions related to excessive gastric acid, particularly gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
Uses in Newborns
In infants, famotidine is typically utilized to alleviate symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can manifest as frequent spitting up, discomfort, and feeding difficulties. The medication helps to reduce the acidity of the stomach contents, which can prevent painful reflux episodes and potential complications such as esophagitis or ulcers.
Clinical studies suggest that a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg may be effective for infants, with some cases requiring adjustments to 1.0 mg/kg based on individual responses. This individualized approach is crucial, as the effectiveness of famotidine can vary significantly among infants.
Safety and Considerations
While famotidine is generally considered safe for use in infants, healthcare providers exercise caution, particularly in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. There is some evidence suggesting a potential association between H2 blocker use and an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gastrointestinal condition that can lead to severe complications. Therefore, the decision to use famotidine in newborns is often made with careful consideration of the risks and benefits.
Side Effects
As with any medication, famotidine can have side effects. In infants, these may include agitation and headaches, although such reactions are relatively uncommon. Parents and caregivers are advised to monitor their infants for any unusual symptoms and to maintain open communication with healthcare providers regarding the child’s response to the medication.
Conclusion
In summary, famotidine serves as a valuable tool in managing gastroesophageal reflux in newborns, helping to alleviate discomfort associated with excessive stomach acid. While it is generally safe, careful monitoring and individualized dosing are essential to ensure the well-being of the infant. As always, any concerns regarding the use of famotidine should be discussed with a pediatric healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes for the child.

What do doctors do for babies with acid reflux?

Medicines. Doctors may recommend medicines—typically proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers—if an infant has esophagitis or has bothersome GERD symptoms that don’t improve after lifestyle changes. Don’t give infants medicines unless told to do so by a doctor.

How did I cured my baby’s acid reflux?

Feeding changes may help your baby’s reflux and GERD:

1. Add rice cereal to your baby’s bottle of formula or breastmilk.
2. Burp your baby after every 1 to 2 ounces of formula.
3. Avoid overfeeding; give your baby the amount of formula or breast milk recommended.
4. Hold your baby upright for 30 minutes after feedings.

Can famotidine cause fussiness?

In a clinical study in 35 pediatric patients < 1 year of age with GERD symptoms [e.g., vomiting (spitting up), irritability (fussing)], agitation was observed in 5 patients on famotidine that resolved when the medication was discontinued.

What symptoms does famotidine relieve?

Description. Famotidine is used to treat stomach ulcers (gastric and duodenal), erosive esophagitis (heartburn or acid indigestion), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition where the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus.

What is famotidine used for in newborns?

Acid-blocking medicines include cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC) and omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec). Your child’s health professional may recommend an acid-blocking medicine if your baby: Has poor weight gain, and changes in feeding haven’t worked. Refuses to feed.

Does famotidine give immediate relief?

Famotidine takes up to an hour to start relieving symptoms. If you already have heartburn, you can get immediate relief by taking Pepcid Complete, which contains famotidine and fast-acting antacids, such as calcium carbonate (Tums) and magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia).

How long does it take famotidine to work in an infant?

Famotidine may start to have an effect within one hour after administration, and its effect can last up to 12 hours.

How quickly does famotidine start working?

Famotidine starts to block stomach acid within 15 minutes to 1 hour of taking the medicine. The maximum effect usually occurs within 1 to 3 hours, and lasts for 10 to 12 hours after a single dose. It will also work to prevent heartburn if taken 10 to 60 minutes before a meal.

Why do hospitals give famotidine?

Use of famotidine was associated with a decreased risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.86, P = 0.021) and combined death or intubation (odds ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.96, P = 0.040).

Do you have to wean baby off famotidine?

Is it safe to stop the medication? If your baby is currently on one of these medications for reflux but your baby is physically healthy and growing well, then you can try to stop the medication. The best way to stop these medications is to do it gradually. This gives your baby’s stomach time to re-‐adjust.