Bessfam Tab 40mg 10’s-Potential Overview

• Brand Name: Bessfam
• Generic Name: Famotidine
• Active Ingredient(s): Famotidine

For the General Public:

• Uses:
  • Bessfam is commonly used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
  • It also treats conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
  • Additionally, it is used to prevent the recurrence of duodenal ulcers and manage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Dosage:
  • Take one tablet (40mg) orally once daily, preferably at bedtime.
  • Always follow the instructions on the packaging or as prescribed by your doctor.
• Possible Side Effects:
  • Some common side effects may include headache, constipation, or diarrhea.
  • If you experience anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider.
• Common Side Effects:
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
• Serious (Less Common) Side Effects:
  • Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling
  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Important Information:
  • Dosage Instruction:
    • Take one tablet (40mg) orally once daily, preferably at bedtime.
    • Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
  • Usage Instruction:
    • Take the tablet with or without food.
    • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
  • General Information:
    • Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or have a history of severe liver or 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:
  • Interactions with Other Medications:
    • May interact with certain antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole.
    • May reduce the absorption of drugs that require an acidic environment for absorption.
  • Interactions with Food:
    • Food does not significantly affect the absorption of famotidine.
• Regulatory Approval & Manufacturer:
  • Manufactured by High-Q Pharmaceuticals.
  • 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 Tab 40mg 10’s
• Brand: Bessfam
• Active Ingredient(s): Famotidine
• Indications:
  • Indicated for the management of:
    • Duodenal ulcers
    • Prevention of relapses of duodenal ulcers
    • Benign gastric ulcers
    • Hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Pharmacodynamics:
  • Mechanism of Action:
    • Famotidine acts as a competitive histamine H₂-receptor antagonist, binding to H₂-receptors on the basolateral membrane of parietal cells in the stomach, effectively blocking histamine actions.
  • Pharmacological Effects:
    • Inhibits gastric acid secretion by suppressing acid concentration and volume.
    • Decreases gastric volume, acidity, and secretion stimulated by food, caffeine, insulin, and pentagastrin.
  • Receptor Binding:
    • Binds to H₂-receptors on parietal cells, leading to decreased gastric acid secretion.
• Pharmacokinetics:
  • Absorption:
    • Rapidly absorbed after oral administration.
  • Distribution:
    • Famotidine is widely distributed in the body and has high plasma protein binding.
  • Metabolism:
    • Famotidine is minimally metabolized in the liver.
  • Elimination:
    • Primarily excreted in urine.
  • Half-Life:
    • Approximately 3-4 hours.
  • Bioavailability:
    • Bioavailability is approximately 40%.
  • Time to Peak Concentration:
    • Peak plasma concentrations are typically reached within 1-3 hours after oral administration.
  • Effect of Food:
    • Food does not significantly affect the absorption of famotidine.
• Dosage and Administration:
  • Adults:
    • 40 mg once daily at bedtime for duodenal ulcers.
  • Pediatric:
    • Pediatric dosage should be determined by a healthcare professional based on age and condition.
  • Special Populations:
    • Dosage adjustments may be needed for elderly patients or those with hepatic or renal impairments.
• Contraindications:
  • Known hypersensitivity to famotidine or excipients.
  • Contraindicated in patients with severe liver or kidney disease.
• Warnings and Precautions:
  • Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular disease, and renal impairment.
  • Monitor renal function during prolonged use.
• Drug-Drug Interactions for Pharmacist:
  • Potential interactions with other drugs that affect stomach acidity (e.g., antacids, proton pump inhibitors).
• Drug-Food Interactions for Pharmacist:
  • Food does not significantly affect the absorption or efficacy of famotidine.
• Adverse Reactions:
  • Common:
    • Headache, constipation, diarrhea.
  • Serious:
    • Allergic reactions, severe dizziness, or fainting.
• Therapeutic Effects:
  • Reduces gastric acid secretion, provides relief from acid-related disorders, and promotes healing of ulcers.
• Storage:
  • Store at room temperature, in a tightly sealed container, away from moisture and light.
• Packaging:
  • Available in tablet form, in packs of 10 tablets.
• Clinical Considerations:
  • Pregnancy Category:
    • Category B (no evidence of risk in humans).
  • Lactation Category:
    • Use with caution during breastfeeding.
  • Pediatric Category:
    • Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients under 12 years of age.
  • Geriatric Category:
    • No specific adjustments are required for elderly patients.
  • Adult Category:
    • Approved for use in adults with specified conditions.
  • Child Category:
    • Not recommended for children under 12 years unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Other Consideration:
  • May require dosage adjustment in patients with renal impairment.

Conclusion:

Bessfam is an effective treatment for conditions such as duodenal ulcers, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. When used according to prescribed instructions, it helps reduce stomach acid and promote healing of ulcers. However, it is important to follow the proper dosage guidelines, monitor for potential side effects, and consult a healthcare provider for any concerns. Pharmacists should ensure that patients are aware of potential drug interactions and guide on proper use, especially for individuals with special conditions such as pregnant women and those with kidney or liver issues. Proper storage is essential to maintaining the drug’s effectiveness.