Korean J Anesthesiol.  2001 Apr;40(4):443-447. 10.4097/kjae.2001.40.4.443.

Effect of Famotidine Premedication on Volume and Acidity of Gastric Contents during General Anesthesia

• Bae SB
• Kim HJ
• Yum KW

• KMID: 2091593
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2001.40.4.443

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Severity of aspiration pneumonitis is associated with acidity and volume of aspirated gastric contents. Volume and acidity of gastric contents are influenced by food, drugs, and patient factors. However, most studies were performed without controlling these factors. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a 20 mg intravenous famotidine injection on gastric content volume and acidity, 1 to 2 hours prior to general anesthesia after controlling the last intake of food.
METHODS
One hundred twenty three healthy patients were randomly assigned to famotidine and control groups. All patients were requested to drink 200 ml of milk the night before surgery in order to control food related factors and fasting time. After induction of general anesthesia, volume and acidity of aspirated gastric contents were measured.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in acidity of aspirated gastric contents between the two groups. However, the famotidine group showed a significant aspirated gastric volume reduction compared with that of the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Famotidine premedication by intravenous injection 1 to 2 hours prior to general anesthesia may be effective to prevent aspiration pneumonitis by reducing gastric content volume.

Keyword

Gastrointestinal tract: acidity; fasting; gastric juice; histamine; volume

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, General*
Famotidine*
Fasting
Humans
Injections, Intravenous
Milk
Pneumonia
Premedication*
Famotidine