Can Pepcid make my dog sick? Tips and Tricks

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What is famotidine?

Famotidine (brand name: Pepcid®, Apo-Famotidine®) is an H2-receptor antagonist that is used to reduce stomach acid production for conditions such as gastrointestinal ulcers, inflammation of the stomach due to kidney disease or stress, inflammation of the esophagus, or for acid reflux.

Its use in cats, dogs, and small mammals to treat ulcers is off label or extra label. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.

Famotidine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension. In your veterinary hospital, it may also be administered by your veterinarian as an injection. It should be given on an empty stomach before the first meal of the day. If your pet vomits when given the medication without food, try giving it with food or a treat.

This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours; however, effects may not be visibly noticeable, and your veterinarian may need to do laboratory tests to evaluate if the medication is working.

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.
  • Veterinary formulations: None

    • Use caution when giving Famotidine to pregnant animals, as it may affect weight gain as well as older animals or those with heart, liver or kidney disease.

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    If a dose of Famotidine is missed, signs may recur but give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not give two doses at one time.

    Giving Famotidine with other bone marrow suppressing drugs, such as Azathioprine, may decrease white blood cell count.

    Famotidine is used to help reduce the amount of stomach acid produced. It aids in the treatment of stomach ulcers that are present and helps prevent ulcer formation. Famotidine can also be used to treat gastritis, esophagitis, and gastric or esophageal reflux as well as prevent stomach or duodenal ulcers in animals with kidney failure.

    How to Settle a Dog’s Stomach – 4 Most Effective Methods

    Does your dog have some sort of tummy discomfort? Is that why you’re wondering if Pepcid AC can be given to canines?

    Can I Give My Dog Pepcid AC?Here’s the deal:

    Vets do prescribe Pepcid for upset stomach and gastric reflux, but using Famotidine (the active ingredient) is the wrong approach for any dog with an undiagnosed medical condition.