Is Famotidine compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Famotidine?

Famotidine

February 15, 2016 (Very Low Risk)

H2-type histamine receptor antagonist with similar action than cimetidine.

It is excreted in breast milk in clinically non-significant amount, much less than the dose administered to newborns and infants with gastroesophageal reflux disorders.

Although it does not normally affect prolactin secretion, there have been several cases of galactorrhea. Still unknown whether it is due to Famotidine itself or to gastroesophageal reflux.

Famotidine, Nizatidine and Roxatidine are excreted into milk but in less proportion than Cimetidine or Ranitidine, which have been proposed as alternative to during lactation.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Famotidine since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Writings

  • Φαμοτιδίνη (Greek)
  • فاموتيدين (Arabic)
  • Фамотидин (Cyrillic)
  • 法莫替丁 (Chinese)
  • ファモチジン (Japanese)
  • C8H15N7O2S3 (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

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  2. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute technical review on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Richter JE. Review article: the management of heartburn in pregnancy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2005Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  4. Orenstein SR, Shalaby TM, Devandry SN, Liacouras CA, Czinn SJ, Dice JE, Simon TJ, Ahrens SP, Stauffer LA. Famotidine for infant gastro-oesophageal reflux: a multi-centre, randomized, placebo-controlled, withdrawal trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2003Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  5. Nice FJ, Snyder JL, Kotansky BC. Breastfeeding and over-the-counter medications. J Hum Lact. 2000Abstract
  6. Hagemann TM. Gastrointestinal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1998Abstract
  7. Güven K, Kelestimur F. Hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea with standard-dose famotidine therapy. Ann Pharmacother. 1995Abstract
  8. Turton DB, Shakir KM. Galactorrhea caused by esophagitis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1995Abstract
  9. Delpre G, Lapidot M, Lipchitz A, Livni E, Kadish U. Hyperprolactinaemia during famotidine therapy. Lancet. 1993Abstract
  10. Lee JJ, Rubin AP. Breast feeding and anaesthesia. Anaesthesia. 1993Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. Anderson PO. Drug use during breast-feeding. Clin Pharm. 1991Abstract
  12. Courtney TP, Shaw RW, Cedar E, Mann SG, Kelly JG. Excretion of famotidine in breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol 26:639P. 1988 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  13. Corinaldesi R, Pasquali R, Paternico A, Stanghellini V, Paparo GF, Ricci Maccarini M, Barbara L. Effects of short- and long-term administrations of famotidine and ranitidine on some pituitary, sexual and thyroid hormones. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1987Abstract
  14. Chremos AN. Pharmacodynamics of famotidine in humans. Am J Med. 1986Abstract