Famotidine Role In COVID-19
Famotidine A Common Heartburn Medication Role In COVID-19
Based on preliminary data, famotidine a common heart burn medication that is available both by prescription and over the counter, may play a role in fighting COVID-19.
Based on retrospective data, it was observed that patients in China who were lower income patients with heartburn survived longer than the wealthier patients who also had heartburn. Further looking into this data, many of the lower income patients were on famotidine, since it is cheap and affordable. The wealthier patients tended to be on an expensive alternative.
A study that included 1,536 patients, observed that 22% died or were intubated and put on a ventilator who were not taking famotidine. 84 people in the study were taking famotidine and 10% died or were put on a ventilator.
What is the mechanism behind famotidine?
The answer is unclear and needs to be researched further to validate if famotidine is beneficial in COVID-19. Zantac (or ranitidine) which belongs to the same class of medication was not shown to be effective against COVID-19. In addition, computer modeling has shown that the mechanism that famotidine uses to fight heartburn may also help against COVID-19. It does not appear to bind to an enzyme as some had speculated but rather it plays a role with histamine and COVID-19. Additional studies need to be performed before an answer is concluded.
There is a study in New York that is being conducted using high doses of famotidine in IV. The researchers will be posting the results as soon the trial ends. So, should you be using famotidine? There is not enough evidence to indicate to start taking famotidine. If you have heartburn and are concerned about COVID-19 work with your provider and pharmacist. For more great information on health and wellness check out my blog (link in bio).
References:
1. https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/09/health/famotidine-covid-19-correlation-study/index.html. Accessed on June 14, 2020
2. https://blogs.sciencemag.org/pipeline/archives/2020/05/29/famotidine-histamine-and-the-coronavirus. Accessed on June 14, 2020
3. https://www.drugtopics.com/latest/famotidine-trial-underway-nyc-covid-19-treatment. Accessed on June 14, 2020
4. https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/heartburn-drug-may-have-potential-against-covid-19. Accessed on June 14, 2020
