Famotidine

Also Known As: Famotidine, Pepcid, Pepcidine

Famotidine (INN) is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits stomach acid production, and it is commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD/GORD). It is commonly marketed by Johnson & Johnson/Merck under the trade names Pepcidine and Pepcid and by Astellas under the trade name Gaster. Unlike cimetidine, the first H2 antagonist, famotidine has no effect on the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and does not appear to interact with other drugs.

Certain preparations of famotidine are available over the counter (OTC) in various countries. In the United States, preparations of 10 mg and 20 mg tablets, sometimes in combination with a more traditional antacid, are available OTC. Larger doses still require a prescription.

Famotidine is given to surgery patients before operations to prevent postoperative nausea and to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonitis. Famotidine is also given to some patients who take NSAIDs, to prevent peptic ulcers.[5] It serves as an alternative to proton-pump inhibitors.[6]

It is also given to dogs with acid reflux.

Famotidine has also been used in combination with an H1 antagonist to treat and prevent urticaria caused by an acute allergic reaction.[7]

It has been found to decrease the debilitating effects of chronic heart failure by blocking histamine. [8]

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