This drug is not FDA approved for use in animals, but it is legally prescribed by veterinarians as an extra-label drug. Famotidine is available over-the-counter, but should not be administered unless under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian. Pepcid is one of 15 human over-the-counter drugs considered safe for dogs.
Famotidine has a number of purposes for humans, dogs, cats, and other pets:
Famotidine is used in the treatment and prevention of stomach (gastric) and intestinal ulcers or erosions (shallow depressions in the stomach lining).
Drugs like Pepcid are used to manage gastric reflux, also known as acid-reflux disease, a condition similar to âheartburnâ in people and caused by movement of stomach acid into the lower part of the esophagus. It can help to reduce injury to the esophagus (food tube), making it a good medication for dogs with megaesophagus.
Famotidine may be useful in the treatment of stomach inflammation caused by kidney disease or kidney failure.
Dogs with mast cell tumors may be treated with famotidine or a related drug, since these tumors can produce large amounts of histamine.
Famotidine is used to treat a variety of causes of nausea in dogs and sometimes prescribed to pets that have a decreased appetite. Click here to learn more about caring for a dog that won’t eat.
Because famotidine blocks histamine, it is sometimes used in addition to other medications, such as steroids or diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), to treat an allergic reaction.
Famotidine is used in many situations that result in stomach problems, ulcers, or diseases that cause nausea and vomiting. Examples include inflammatory bowel disease, acute pancreatitis, or infections such as canine parvoviral enteritis or helicobacter.
Famotidine is available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations.
10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets.
Oral powder for suspension is supplied at 50 mg/5 ml.
An injectable at the concentration of 20 mg/50 mL or 20 mg (2 mg/mL).
Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. Make sure to discuss proper dosage and other precautions with your veterinarian before using Pepcid for dogs. The typical dose of famotidine administered is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg) every 12 to 24 hours. There is a diminished effect when given for more than 14 consecutive days. For this reason, twice daily dosing may be recommended.
The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication, and the development of any adverse side effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, complete the entire treatment plan to avoid a sudden relapse.
Tablets should be stored away from light and at room temperature. Liquid formulations should be refrigerated.
Call your vet if you are concerned about your pet ingesting a toxic dose of medication and if you observe any of the following side effects:
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty walking
Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Pale gums
Vomiting
Make sure to monitor your pet closely and observe their behavior, urination, and bowel movements to ensure they are not suffering from any of these symptoms. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you believe your pet has ingested a potentially-toxic dose of famotidine.
Pepcid Dosage for Dogs
Pepcid comes in two dosages: 10 and 20 mg tablets. According to veterinarian Dr. Debra Primovic, the dosage of Pepcid for dogs is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound given every 12 to 24 hours. This drug should be given without food as food will decrease its effectiveness.
Fast Facts: What Is Famotidine (Pepcid)?
Famotidine is an anti-ulcer drug of the histamine receptor-2 (H-2) antagonist class. Stimulation of H-2 receptors (targets) located on the cell membranes of stomach cells leads to secretion of gastric acid. The drug slows stomach acid production, allowing the ulcer time to heal. Other drugs with similar actions include ranitidine (Zantac®), nizatidine (Axid®) and cimetidine (Tagamet®).
Use of famotidine can decrease nausea in dogs by its action on the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
Pepcid is used to treat pets with stomach ulcers, esophagitis, gastric reflux, esophageal reflux, Helicobacter infections, and/or vomiting.
Studies suggest that there is a diminished effect of famotidine when given on a consistent long-term basis (more than 14 days). For this reason, twice daily dosing may be recommended.
This drug is registered and FDA approved for human use only.
Human formulations: Pepcid (Merck), Pepcid AC, and other brand names including Act, Dyspep HB, Pepzan, Arfam, Pamacid, Peptris, Famotren, Famistine, and Fluxid.