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Can Famotidine Be Used To Prepare An Iron Infusion?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Question: I have been asked to take famotidine 20 mg tablets twice a day to prepare for an iron infusion. I cannot take ranitidine because GI upset, rash and difficulty breathing. I believe that these two meds have the same ingred and I am nervous about starting my 20 mg dose in the morning What do you suggest?
My allergist also had me try zertek (sp) and stopped having me take it. Isn't it the same as cetirizine? I am scheduled for an iron infusion--is that the same as an iron shot? What are my reaction possibilities from the iron. I will also be taking 50 Mg of prednisone before my infusion. Please clarify
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Famotidine needs to be avoided

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms

Famotidine also belongs to same group of drug as that of Ranitidine that is Histamine 2 receptor blocker. They act by inhibiting H2 receptor and thereby suppressing secretion of Hydrochloric acid in stomach. As Iron infusion is associated with Gastritis due to excessive release of hydrochloric acid from stomach, it is important to suppress the release. As you had previous reaction with Ranitidine, it is not advisable to take Famotidine. Bring it to the notice of your Physician , alternate drug like Proton pump blocker ( Pantoprzole ) which also suppresses secretion can be used.

Zertek is same as Cetrizine. Iron shot is used for giving single dose of intramuscular injection of Iron. Whereas infusion is slow intravenous infusion of Iron over period of few hours. The major side effect of Intravenous infusion of Iron are

1. Local reaction: they are very much common, there is erythema/redness at site of infusion and also local itching

2. Systemic reaction: Type 1 severe allergic reaction is known to occur though not very common

3. Slight breathing difficulty


If proper precautions are taken then Intravenous infusion of Iron is very safe. Following precautions needs to be taken

1. Anti-allergic medication: Prednisolone which is steroid is a good premedication

2. Test dose

3. Slow infusion

4. Infusion under medical supervision


Slow infusion under medical supervision is safe and there is no reason to be worried about.


Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.


Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kaltari
Consultant Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)
Is the proton pump something that can be taken orally? I will call my hematologist the first thing in the AM to remind him that I cannot take the med that he prescribed for me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Proton pump inhibitors can be taken orally

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms

Proton pump inhibitors can be taken orally. Do discuss it with your Physician.


Take care

Best regards
Dr Deepak
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3195 Questions

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Can Famotidine Be Used To Prepare An Iron Infusion?

Brief Answer: Famotidine needs to be avoided Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Ms Famotidine also belongs to same group of drug as that of Ranitidine that is Histamine 2 receptor blocker. They act by inhibiting H2 receptor and thereby suppressing secretion of Hydrochloric acid in stomach. As Iron infusion is associated with Gastritis due to excessive release of hydrochloric acid from stomach, it is important to suppress the release. As you had previous reaction with Ranitidine, it is not advisable to take Famotidine. Bring it to the notice of your Physician , alternate drug like Proton pump blocker ( Pantoprzole ) which also suppresses secretion can be used. Zertek is same as Cetrizine. Iron shot is used for giving single dose of intramuscular injection of Iron. Whereas infusion is slow intravenous infusion of Iron over period of few hours. The major side effect of Intravenous infusion of Iron are 1. Local reaction: they are very much common, there is erythema/redness at site of infusion and also local itching 2. Systemic reaction: Type 1 severe allergic reaction is known to occur though not very common 3. Slight breathing difficulty If proper precautions are taken then Intravenous infusion of Iron is very safe. Following precautions needs to be taken 1. Anti-allergic medication: Prednisolone which is steroid is a good premedication 2. Test dose 3. Slow infusion 4. Infusion under medical supervision Slow infusion under medical supervision is safe and there is no reason to be worried about. Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take Care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kaltari Consultant Surgeon