Famotidine-associated delirium. A series of six cases.
Famotidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist used in inpatient settings for prevention of stress ulcers and is showing increasing popularity because of its low cost. Although all of the currently available H2-receptor antagonists have shown the propensity to cause delirium, only two previously reported cases have been associated with famotidine. The authors report on six cases of famotidine-associated delirium in hospitalized patients who cleared completely upon removal of famotidine. The pharmacokinetics of famotidine are reviewed, with no change in its metabolism in the elderly population seen. The implications of using famotidine in elderly persons are discussed.
Catalano
G
G
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, USA.
Catalano
M C
MC
Alberts
V A
VA
D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D003693:Delirium / Q000139:chemically induced*; D015738:Famotidine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D015738:Famotidine