The Basics
What is Famotidine?
Used to prevent and treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach.
Brand names for Famotidine
Pepcid
How Famotidine is classified
Anti-Ulcer Agents, Histamine H2 Antagonists, Gastrointestinal Agents
Famotidine During Pregnancy
Famotidine pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Famotidine while pregnant
Generally regarded as safe. Reproductive studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at oral doses of up to 2000 and 500 mg/kg/day, respectively, and in both species at I.V. doses of up to 200 mg/kg/day, and have revealed no significant evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to PEPCID. While no direct fetotoxic effects have been observed, sporadic abortions occurring only in mothers displaying marked decreased food intake were seen in some rabbits at oral doses of 200 mg/kg/day (250 times the usual human dose) or higher. There are, however, no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Taking Famotidine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Famotidine?
Famotidine is used in newborn infants in higher dosages than are transmitted in breastmilk.[1] Famotidine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. No special precautions are required.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Famotidine is used in newborn infants in higher dosages than are transmitted in breastmilk.[1] Famotidine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. No special precautions are required.
Possible effects of Famotidine on milk supply
Histamine H2-receptor blockade is known to stimulate prolactin secretion.[4] Oral famotidine usually does not affect serum prolactin levels, but rare cases of hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea have been reported.[5][6] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Famotidine
Cimetidine, Nizatidine, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Ranitidine, Sucralfate.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Orenstein SR, Shalaby TM, Devandry SN et al. Famotidine for infant gastro-oesophageal reflux: A multi-centre, randomized, placebo-controlled, withdrawal trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2003;17(9):1097-107. PMID: 12752346
2. Courtney TP, Shaw RW, Cedar E et al. Excretion of famotidine in breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1988;26:639P. Abstract. PMC: PMC1386642
3. Wang X, Zhan Y, Hankins GD et al. Pharmacokinetics of famotidine in pregnant women. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011;204:S72-3. Abstract.
4. Knigge UP. Histaminergic regulation of prolactin secretion. Dan Med Bull. 1990;37:109-24. PMID: 2188799
5. Delpre G, Lapidot M, Lipchitz A et al. Hyperprolactinaemia during famotidine therapy. Lancet. 1993;342:868. Letter. PMID: 8104296
6. Guven K, Kelestimur F. Hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea with standard-dose famotidine therapy. Ann Pharmacother. 1995;29:788. Letter. PMID: 8520102
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
