Nocid Tablet Uses

Nocid tablet is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists. It is primarily used to treat various conditions related to excess stomach acid production.

The following are some common uses and indications of Nocid Tablet:

1. Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers: Nocid tablet is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach (gastric ulcers) and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). It helps by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Nocid tablet is used to relieve symptoms of GERD, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, acid indigestion, and regurgitation.
3. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: This is a rare condition where the stomach produces excessive amounts of acid. Nocid tablet is used to manage the symptoms and reduce acid production in individuals with this syndrome.
4. Erosive Esophagitis: Nocid tablets may be prescribed to treat inflammation and erosion of the esophagus caused by excessive acid exposure. This condition is often seen in severe cases of GERD.
5. Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis: In hospitalized patients, especially those in intensive care units, Nocid tablets may be given to prevent stress-related ulcers that can occur due to factors like critical illness, surgery, or trauma.
6. Reflux Esophagitis: This is a condition characterized by inflammation of the esophagus due to repeated exposure to stomach acid. Using Nocid tablets can help reduce acid levels and alleviate symptoms.
7. Heartburn and Indigestion: Nocid tablet is available over-the-counter for the short-term relief of occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
8. Symptomatic Relief of Hyperacidity: Nocid tablets can be used for the symptomatic relief of hyperacidity associated with conditions like gastritis.

Off-label Uses of Nocid Tablet

1. Allergic Reactions: Nocid tablets may be used in conjunction with antihistamines to manage allergic reactions and symptoms such as itching, hives, and swelling.
2. Prevention of Aspirin-Induced Gastric Ulcers: In certain cases where aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for long-term use, Nocid tablets may be used to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers associated with these medications.
3. Eosinophilic Esophagitis: This is a chronic immune system disease where a type of white blood cell (eosinophils) builds up in the esophagus. Nocid tablets may be used as part of the treatment plan to help reduce acid reflux and inflammation.
4. Treatment of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): MCAS is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of mast cells and their mediators, leading to a variety of symptoms. Nocid tablets, along with other medications, may be used to help manage symptoms.
5. Pruritus (Itching): Nocid tablet has been used in some cases to alleviate itching associated with conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and allergic reactions.
6. Prevention of Stress-Induced Mucosal Damage: In some critically ill patients, Nocid tablets may be used to prevent mucosal damage in the gastrointestinal tract caused by stress-related factors.
7. Reflux Laryngitis: This is a condition where stomach acid backs up into the throat, leading to symptoms like hoarseness and throat irritation. Nocid tablets may be used as part of the treatment plan to reduce acid reflux.
8. Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: In some cases, Nocid tablets may be used in combination with other antiemetic drugs to help prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

Nocid is one of the leading brands of Famotidine, manufactured and marketed by Novartis Pharma (Pakistan) Ltd.

The following are some alternative brands of Nocid and their manufacturers.

• Apsin : Saffron Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Famot : Shaigan Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Polypep : Wilsons Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
• Acicon : Barrett Hodgson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
• Optifam : Merck (Pvt) Ltd.
• Famtaza : Zafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Fomen : Sharooq Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
• H2F : Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.
• Ulcenil : Siza International (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Famopsin : High-Q Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Femme : Batala Pharma, Pakistan.

Presently, Nocid is available in tablet form.

Nocid Tablet : 20mg and 40mg strengths.

Nocid tablets have certain contraindications, which means there are situations or conditions where the use of the medication is not recommended or should be avoided.

Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Famotidine or any of the components in the Nocid tablet should avoid its use.

Severe Renal Impairment: Nocid tablet is primarily excreted through the kidneys. In cases of severe renal impairment or kidney failure, dosage adjustments may be necessary, or Nocid tablets may be contraindicated.

Acute Porphyria: Porphyrias are a group of rare genetic disorders related to the production of heme, a component of red blood cells. Nocid tablets may exacerbate symptoms in individuals with acute porphyria.

Patients Under 12 Years of Age (for Certain Dosage Forms): Some specific formulations of Nocid tablets may not be suitable for use in children under the age of 12. Always follow the specific dosage recommendations provided by a healthcare provider.

Certain Medication Interactions: Nocid tablets may interact with other medications, potentially affecting their absorption or metabolism. This includes drugs like ketoconazole and itraconazole, which may require a different dosing schedule.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While Nocid tablet is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider and in appropriate doses.

Active Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Nocid tablets may not be appropriate for individuals with active gastrointestinal bleeding. It’s important to treat the underlying cause of bleeding before starting the Nocid tablet.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): In rare cases, Nocid tablets may exacerbate symptoms in individuals with severe COPD. It should be used with caution in these cases.

Impaired Liver Function: While Nocid tablet is primarily metabolized in the liver, it is generally considered safe for individuals with mild to moderate liver impairment. However, it should be used with caution in severe cases.

History of Torsades de Pointes: Nocid tablets may prolong the QT interval in the heart’s electrical cycle. It should be used cautiously in individuals with a history of a certain type of irregular heart rhythm called Torsades de Pointes.

Nocid tablet Dose for Gastric Ulcers and Duodenal Ulcers:

• Treatment in Adults: One tablet of 40 mg, once daily at bedtime, or 20 mg taken twice daily.

Nocid tablet Dose for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

• Treatment in Adults: One tablet of 20 mg, twice daily.

Nocid tablet Dose for Erosive Esophagitis:

• Treatment in Adults: One tablet of 20 mg, twice daily for 6 to 8 weeks.

Nocid tablet Dose for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:

• Starting Dose: One tablet of 20 mg, taken every 6 hours.
• Adjustment: The dosage may be adjusted based on response, with some individuals requiring higher doses.

Nocid tablet Dose for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis:

• Hospitalized Patients: One tablet of 20 mg, twice daily.

Nocid tablet Dose for Over-the-Counter Use (Short-term Relief):

• One tablet of 20 mg is typically taken once or twice daily for short-term relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.

Nocid is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist, which means it works by blocking the action of histamine on certain cells in the stomach lining. In the stomach lining, there are specialized cells called parietal cells. These cells produce gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) in response to the presence of histamine. When histamine binds to specific receptors (H2 receptors) on these cells, it stimulates them to release acid.