Last update: Feb. 15, 2016

Famotidine

Very Low Risk for breastfeeding


Safe. Compatible.
Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

H2-type histamine receptor antagonist with similar action than cimetidine.

It is excreted in breast milk in clinically non-significant amount, much less than the dose administered to newborns and infants with gastroesophageal reflux disorders.

Although it does not normally affect prolactin secretion, there have been several cases of galactorrhea. Still unknown whether it is due to Famotidine itself or to gastroesophageal reflux.

Famotidine, Nizatidine and Roxatidine are excreted into milk but in less proportion than Cimetidine or Ranitidine, which have been proposed as alternative to during lactation.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Famotidine since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Famotidine in other languages or writings:

Group

Famotidine belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Famotidine in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 40 - 45 %
Molecular weight 351 daltons
Protein Binding 15 - 20 %
Tmax 1 - 3 hours
T1/2 3 - 4 hours
M/P ratio 0,4 - 1,8 -
Theoretical Dose 0,01 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 1,5 %
Relat.Ped.Dose 0,5 - 1 %

References

  1. Rowe H, Baker T, Hale TW. Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):275-94. Abstract
  2. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute technical review on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006 Jul;131(1):283-311. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Richter JE. Review article: the management of heartburn in pregnancy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2005 Nov 1;22(9):749-57. Review. Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  4. Orenstein SR, Shalaby TM, Devandry SN, Liacouras CA, Czinn SJ, Dice JE, Simon TJ, Ahrens SP, Stauffer LA. Famotidine for infant gastro-oesophageal reflux: a multi-centre, randomized, placebo-controlled, withdrawal trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2003 Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  5. Nice FJ, Snyder JL, Kotansky BC. Breastfeeding and over-the-counter medications. J Hum Lact. 2000 Nov;16(4):319-31. Review. Erratum in: J Hum Lact 2001 Feb;17(1):90. Abstract
  6. Hagemann TM. Gastrointestinal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1998 Sep;14(3):259-62. Review. Abstract
  7. Güven K, Kelestimur F. Hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea with standard-dose famotidine therapy. Ann Pharmacother. 1995 Abstract
  8. Turton DB, Shakir KM. Galactorrhea caused by esophagitis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1995 Abstract
  9. Lee JJ, Rubin AP. Breast feeding and anaesthesia. Anaesthesia. 1993 Jul;48(7):616-25. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Delpre G, Lapidot M, Lipchitz A, Livni E, Kadish U. Hyperprolactinaemia during famotidine therapy. Lancet. 1993 Abstract
  11. Anderson PO. Drug use during breast-feeding. Clin Pharm. 1991 Abstract
  12. Courtney TP, Shaw RW, Cedar E, Mann SG, Kelly JG. Excretion of famotidine in breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol 26:639P. 1988 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  13. Corinaldesi R, Pasquali R, Paternico A, Stanghellini V, Paparo GF, Ricci Maccarini M, Barbara L. Effects of short- and long-term administrations of famotidine and ranitidine on some pituitary, sexual and thyroid hormones. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1987 Abstract
  14. Chremos AN. Pharmacodynamics of famotidine in humans. Am J Med. 1986 Abstract

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