{"id":629523,"date":"2024-08-29T09:30:56","date_gmt":"2024-08-29T13:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629523"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:46:24","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:46:24","slug":"famotidine-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/famotidine-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Is famotidine safe during pregnancy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Heartburn<\/span><\/a> is incredibly common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you find yourself dreading that churning, burning feeling before every meal, don’t fret. Pregnancy-safe treatments and remedies, such as<\/span> famotidine<\/span><\/a> (commonly known by its brand names<\/span> Pepcid AC<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> Zantac 360<\/span><\/a>), can help.<\/span><\/p>\n

Famotidine<\/span><\/a> belongs to a class of medications called histamine-2 receptor antagonists (<\/span>H2 blockers<\/span><\/a> for short). “Famotidine is a medication used to treat heartburn (acid reflux),” says <\/span>Kecia Gaither, MD<\/span><\/a>, double board-certified OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine, director of Perinatal Services\/Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals\/Lincoln in the Bronx. “It functions to reduce the amount of stomach acid that is produced.” It also treats upset stomach due to consuming certain foods or drinks, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions causing too much stomach acid.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take famotidine while pregnant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Famotidine<\/span><\/a> is considered <\/span>safe to use for pregnant women<\/span><\/a> to relieve heartburn and indigestion, according to the <\/span>U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/span><\/a>. However, you should try lifestyle changes and antacids first.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why? There are no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women to definitively say it’s risk-free. However, the class of medication it falls under, H2-blockers, <\/span>has not been found<\/span><\/a> to cause an increased risk of perinatal mortality, premature delivery, low birth weight, or low Apgar scores. Any medication taken during pregnancy should be a joint decision with your healthcare provider, weighing the benefits and risks—which are low for this particular medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Even though famotidine has not been tested in humans, experience and many retrospective studies have shown when used appropriately and in recommended dosages, it is safe in pregnancy,” says Los Angeles-based OB-GYN and urogynecologist <\/span>Michael Tahery, MD<\/span><\/a>. “Also, animal studies have not shown any fetal side effects in pregnant animals.”<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the risks of taking famotidine while pregnant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There is <\/span>a lack of human data<\/span><\/a> proving the safety of famotidine during pregnancy. Famotidine crosses the placenta. However, “the available research studies have not noted any increased risk of <\/span>congenital disorders<\/span><\/a> when taken during pregnancy,” confirms Dr. Gaither. It’s not known to cause any pregnancy complications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pregnant people taking other antacids should not take famotidine unless directed by their healthcare provider. Additionally, those with renal complications, an allergy to famotidine, people who are unable to swallow, and those with hematemesis (bloody stools) should not use famotidine, according to Dr. Gaither.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Famotidine does get into breast milk,” notes Dr. Gaither. However, famotidine should be safe to use <\/span>while breastfeeding<\/span><\/a> as dosages of it have been administered to newborns in higher amounts than what is excreted in breast milk. Check with your healthcare provider before taking famotidine while nursing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Famotidine dosage<\/span><\/h3>\n

“The usual dosage for <\/span>famotidine<\/span><\/a> is 20 mg, and the frequency is usually once a day,” advises Dr. Tahery. “However, the frequency is usually recommended by the treating physician.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Famotidine side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common <\/span>adverse effects<\/span><\/a> while taking <\/span>famotidine<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n