A nurse is preparing to administer famotidine 1 mg/kg/day, embarking on a journey of administering a medication that holds significant therapeutic value. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of famotidine, its administration, nursing considerations, and patient education, providing a thorough understanding of this essential medication.
Famotidine, a histamine-2 receptor antagonist, plays a crucial role in reducing gastric acid secretion, making it a cornerstone in the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders. Its versatility extends to the management of conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Drug Information: A Nurse Is Preparing To Administer Famotidine 1 Mg/kg/day
Famotidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, a class of medications that work by reducing the production of gastric acid in the stomach. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Indications for Famotidine
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Stress-induced gastric ulcers
- Prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill patients
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of famotidine 1 mg/kg/day is determined based on the patient’s weight and the severity of their condition. It is typically administered orally once or twice daily, with or without food.
Routes of Administration
- Oral
- Intravenous (IV)
Dosage Calculation
To calculate the appropriate dosage for patients of different weights, the following formula is used:
Dosage (mg) = Weight (kg) x 1 mg/kg/day
Nursing Considerations
Patient Assessment
- Assess the patient’s medical history, including any history of gastrointestinal disorders, liver disease, or kidney disease.
- Obtain a baseline vital signs and monitor for changes throughout treatment.
Monitoring
- Monitor the patient for signs of improvement or worsening of their condition.
- Monitor for potential adverse effects, such as diarrhea, constipation, headache, or dizziness.
Potential Adverse Effects, A nurse is preparing to administer famotidine 1 mg/kg/day
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Patient Education
Provide the patient with a comprehensive patient education handout that includes information on famotidine’s purpose, dosage, administration, potential side effects, and storage instructions.
How to Take Famotidine
- Take famotidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Take famotidine with or without food, as directed by your doctor.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.
- Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
What to Do if a Dose is Missed
- If you miss a dose of famotidine, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
- Do not take double doses of famotidine.
FAQ Guide
What is the mechanism of action of famotidine?
Famotidine competitively inhibits histamine at H2 receptors on parietal cells, thereby reducing gastric acid secretion.
How is famotidine administered?
Famotidine can be administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly.
What are the potential side effects of famotidine?
Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and constipation.
