Frequently Asked Questions:
Pepcid® (famotidine) for autistic spectrum disorders
Table of Contents
- What is the dose of famotidine (Pepcid®) for children with autistic spectrum disorders?
- Why won't Dr. Linday tell me the dose of famotidine for me/my child?
- What is the difference between a prescription drug and an "over-the-counter drug?
- What is the difference between a "brand name" drug and a "generic" drug?
- Is there any research on similar gastrointestinal drugs and autism?
- Were any of the children in the study on a gluten and/or casein-free diet?
- Is there a relationship between secretin and famotidine?
What is the dose of famotidine (Pepcidâ) for children with autistic spectrum disorders?
The dose of famotidine used in this research was 2 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses, with a maximum total daily dose of 100 mg (see Abstracts). Please remember that "A high dose of famotidine (Pepcidâ) was used in the research discussed on this web site; treatment with this high dose should only be undertaken under the direction of your/your child's prescribing physician."
In the USA, famotidine is available without a prescription. Dr. Linday has been contacted by numerous parents who want to give famotidine to their child without the guidance of a physician. Based on the information provided in the abstracts, some of these families grossly miscalculated the dose of famotidine, and one family would have given their child FOUR TIMES the correct dose of famotidine. Furthermore, there is always the possibility of an adverse reaction to a medication.
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Why won't Dr. Linday tell me the dose of famotidine for me/my child?
Dr. Linday is a physician (medical doctor; M.D.). According to current medical practice, a physician may only prescribe for a person that he/she has examined. If a physician has not examined a patient, the physician may not prescribe a supplement or a medication for that patient whether by e-mail, telephone or regular mail; this is true even if the supplement is available in a health food store or the medication is available over-the-counter in a drugstore. Recently, some medications have become available over the Internet, but this is considered controversial.
Please remember that a high dose of famotidine was used in the research discussed on this web site; treatment with this high dose should only be undertaken under the direction of your/your child's prescribing physician.
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What is the difference between a prescription drug and an "over-the-counter" drug?
A consumer must have a doctor’s prescription to purchase a prescription drug. A consumer can purchase an "over-the-counter" drug without a doctor’s prescription. Famotidine (Pepcidâ) is available by prescription and over-the-counter (in lower strength tablets).
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What is the difference between a "brand name" drug and a "generic" drug?
In the United States, Merck & Co., Inc. was the original company that marketed the drug famotidine using the brand name "Pepcidâ." Thus, "Pepcid" is Merck’s brand name, and Merck is the only company in the US that is allowed to use the name "Pepcid." The generic (or general) name for this drug is famotidine. After a drug’s patent expires, other companies can market the drug. The patent has expired for famotidine, allowing other companies to market famotidine; although the active ingredient is the same, only Merck can use the brand name of Pepcid.
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Is there any research on similar gastrointestinal drugs and autism?
At this time we do not know of research with similar gastrointestinal drugs and autism. Such drugs would include other histamine-2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors.
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Where any of the children in the study on a gluten and/or casein-free diet?
None of the nine children who participated in the famotidine/autism research were on a special diet.
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Is there a relationship between secretin and famotidine?
Both secretin and famotidine decrease the acidity of the upper gastrointestinal tract, although by different mechanisms. We have no additional information at this time.
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DISCLAIMER:
The information contained on this web site is provided for educational purposes only; it is a general reference for both health-care consumers and providers; it is not a prescription for any single individual. A high dose of famotidine (Pepcidâ) was used in the research discussed on this web site; treatment with this high dose should only be undertaken under the direction of your/your child's prescribing physician. Please print this information and bring it to your/your child's prescribing physician to determine whether this treatment is indicated for you/your child. Please be aware that the use of famotidine to treat children with autistic spectrum disorders is considered "off-label" use in the US because the US Food and Drug Administration has not specifically approved famotidine either for use in children or for the treatment of autistic spectrum disorders. This web site is not affiliated with Merck & Co., Inc. Any opinions expressed on this web site are Dr. Linday's, and do not necessarily reflect those of her affiliated institutions.
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Copyright © 2002 [Dr. Linday]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 06/24/10.Go to Ear Infections, Cod Liver Oil, & Selenium
