Bessfam Tab 20mg 20’s-Potential Overview

Brand Name: Bessfam

Generic Name: Famotidine

Active Ingredient(s): Famotidine

For the General Public:

Uses: Famotidine is commonly used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also addresses conditions where the stomach produces excessive acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Additionally, it is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions where acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Dosage: Take one tablet once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Always follow the instructions on the packaging or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Possible Side Effects: Some common side effects may include headache, constipation, or diarrhea. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Serious (Less Common) Side Effects:

• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
• Unusual tiredness
• Mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations)

Important Information:

Dosage Instruction: Take one tablet once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Usage Instruction: Take this medication with or without food. If you are taking an antacid, take it at least 1 hour before or after taking famotidine.

General Information: Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or have a history of severe kidney disease. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before use. Keep out of reach of children. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose.

Drug Interactions:

Interaction with medicine:

Famotidine may interact with certain medications, including:

• Antacids
• Certain antifungal medications
• Iron supplements

Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking famotidine with other medications.

Interactions with Food: Food does not significantly affect the absorption of famotidine.

Regulatory Approval & Manufacturer: Bessfam 20mg tablets are manufactured by High-Q Pharmaceuticals and are available in packs of 20 tablets.

Antidotes (If Overdose or Misused by Patients): In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

For Pharmacists

Medicine Name: Bessfam 20mg Tablet

Brand: Bessfam

Active Ingredient(s): Famotidine

Indications: Indicated for the management of:

• Duodenal ulcers
• Benign gastric ulcers
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Pharmacodynamics:

Mechanism of Action: Famotidine is a competitive histamine H₂ receptor antagonist that inhibits gastric acid secretion.

Pharmacological Effects:

• Reduces gastric acid secretion
• Increases gastric pH
• Promotes ulcer healing

Receptor Binding: Famotidine selectively binds to H₂ receptors in the stomach lining, inhibiting histamine-induced gastric acid secretion.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration; peak plasma concentration occurs within 1-3 hours.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues; crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk.

Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism; primarily excreted unchanged in urine.

Elimination: Eliminated primarily via renal excretion; half-life is approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Half-Life: Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Bioavailability: Approximately 40%.

Time to Peak Concentration: 1-3 hours.

Effect of Food: Food does not significantly affect the absorption of famotidine.

Dosage and Administration:

Adults:

• Duodenal ulcers: 20 mg once daily at bedtime or 40 mg at bedtime for 4-8 weeks.
• Benign gastric ulcers: 40 mg once daily at bedtime for 4-8 weeks.
• GERD: 20 mg twice daily for up to 12 weeks.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: 20 mg every 6 hours; dosage may be adjusted based on patient response.

Pediatric: Dosage should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the child’s weight and condition.

Special Populations:

• Elderly: No dosage adjustment necessary.
• Renal impairment: Dosage adjustment may be required in patients with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min.

Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to famotidine or excipients. Contraindicated in patients with a history of severe kidney disease.

Warnings and Precautions: Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal issues or cardiovascular disease. Monitor for renal function and blood pressure.

Drug-Drug Interactions for Pharmacist: Potential interactions with:

• Antacids
• Certain antifungal medications
• Iron supplements

Consult a healthcare provider if interactions are suspected.

Drug-Food Interactions for Pharmacist: Food does not significantly affect the absorption or efficacy of famotidine.

Adverse Reactions:

Common:

• Headache
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Serious:

• Anaphylaxis
• Severe liver damage

Therapeutic Effects: Famotidine effectively reduces gastric acid secretion, aids in ulcer healing, and alleviates symptoms of GERD.

Storage: Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C), in a tightly closed container away from moisture and light.

Packaging: Available in tablet form, in packs of 20 tablets.

Clinical Considerations:

Pregnancy Category: Category B (No known risk to the fetus based on animal studies, but should only be used when clearly needed).

Lactation Category: Famotidine is excreted in breast milk. Use with caution during breastfeeding.

Pediatric Category: Safety and efficacy in children have not been fully established.

Geriatric Category: No specific dose adjustments are needed, but caution should be used in elderly patients with renal impairment.

Adult Category: Approved for use in adults for conditions like GERD, ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Child Category: Use is not recommended in children under 1 year without a doctor’s supervision.

Other Consideration: Patients should be monitored for any unusual side effects, especially if they have pre-existing kidney conditions.

Conclusion: Bessfam (Famotidine) is an effective treatment for acid-related stomach conditions such as ulcers, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. When used according to prescribed instructions, it can provide relief from symptoms and promote healing. Patients should follow dosage guidelines and consult with healthcare professionals if they experience side effects or have concerns. Pharmacists should ensure patients are educated about potential drug interactions and provide guidance on proper use, especially for special populations. Proper storage is essential for maintaining its effectiveness.