Famotidine is a drug from the group of H2 receptor antagonists, receptors that allow the binding of histamine to induce gastric acid secretion. By blocking these receptors, histamine limits its binding and, therefore, the secretion of gastric acids, improving the symptoms of diseases related to hypersecretion of these acids. It also has protective effects on the gastric mucosa, improves nausea and gastrointestinal transit.
Do you want to know the dosage of famotidine in cats? Continue reading this article on our site to find out the uses it has on these animals, as well as the dosage, the side effectsand the contraindications of this active principle.
What is famotidine?
Famotidine is a drug belonging to the drugs called H2 receptor antagonists H2 is a receptor for histamine, which is the Paracrine stimulant of stomach acids most prominently and releases after the action of gastrin. If this receptor is occupied by famotidine, histamine cannot bind, so the secretion of stomach acid is limited, helping in disorders derived from excess in the production of gastric acid (hypersecretory disorders) or in those disorders aggravated by it, such as inflammation of the esophagus or esophagitis, gastric inflammation or gastritis, gastrointestinal ulcers by creating a more alkaline environment (less acid) and gastroesophageal reflux. As added effects, it is a potential accelerator of gastrointestinal transit and a protective effect of the digestive mucosa.
With respect to the metabolism of famotidine, it passes through the cerebrospinal fluid and breast milk. The effect of inhibition of gastric acids has a limited effect of hours, therefore daily doses are required for the treatment of these disorders in cats. The metabolism of famotidine is hepatic and the main elimination is renal.
What is famotidine used for in cats?
As we have just commented explaining the mechanism of action of famotidine, we can conclude that this active principle is useful for those cats that have hypersecretion problems or related to stomach acid, that is, with problems such as the following:
- Gastric or gastrointestinal ulcers
- Esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Gastritis or uremic gastric inflammation due to chronic kidney disease or stress
- Gastric acid hypersecretory disorders
In addition to treating these problems, famotidine has the potential to increase the movement of the gastrointestinal tract, known as peristalsis by blocking acetylcholinesterase, which leads to an increase in acetylcholine that induces movements of the food bolus through the gastrointestinal tract, being useful in the constipation or constipation processes Famotidine can also be used to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa after continued use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which induce mucosal damage.
Finally, this drug may also be used to treat nausea related to the use of some medications, kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, cancer, irritable colon and poisoning. A nauseated cat exhibits signs such as anorexia, lip smacking, food refusal, drooling, constant gulping, and vomiting.
Dosage of famotidine for cats
In cats, famotidine is used at a dose of 0.5 to 1.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per orally every 12 or every 24 hours. Generally, we find famotidine tablets of 10, 20 or 40 milligrams, although we can also find it in powder format for oral suspension, at a concentration of 8 milligrams per milliliter. Depending on whether it is in oral suspension or in tablets, as well as the weight of the cat and the specific formulation of each medication, your veterinarian will tell you exactly the amount of product to obtain the required dose of famotidine to be effective in the treatment of the disorders mentioned. It is very important not to self-medicate the animal or alter the dose specified by the veterinarian without their prior consent.
Famotidine contraindications in cats
The use of famotidine is contraindicated in the following situations:
- Geriatric or very sick cats.
- Cats with liver disease.
- Cats with kidney disease.
- Cats with hypersensitivity to H2 antagonists.
- Cats with hypersensitivity to any of the drug's excipients.
- Gates pregnant at term.
- Cats lactating for being able to pass into the milk and block the production of gastric acid in kittens, inhibit the metabolism of other drugs and produce nervous signs by stimulation of the central nervous system.
Furthermore, famotidine is a histamine H2 receptor inhibitor, its use being contraindicated when cats are also being treated with other drugs with which they interactThese are mainly some antibiotics such as cephalosporins because famotidine can alter their pharmacokinetics, iron s alts, oral antacids such as magnesium or aluminum hydroxide, as well as antifungals such as ketoconazole or itraconazole, because these require an acidic environment for their absorption as they are weak bases and when a cat is treated with famotidine the environment becomes more alkaline, that is, less acidic, limiting the absorption of these antifungals. It is also important to note that the use of famotidine can cause an increase in the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase or ALT.
Famotidine side effects in cats
Famotidine can cause some side effects in cats, although these are not common, and may include:
- Decreased appetite or anorexia.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Dry mouth.
- Concern.
- Altered Heart Rhythm.
- Tachypnea or rapid breathing.
- Collapse.
- Muscle tremors.
- Hypersecretion of gastric acid after cessation of treatment.
- A accumulation of the active ingredient in cats with liver or kidney disease.
Again, we insist that a veterinary professional should indicate the use of this drug, as well as the dosage and frequency. Misuse of medication in cats, or any other animal, can lead to serious consequences.
