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 J&J/Merck under the trade names Pepcidine and Pepcid. 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.^[1]

History and development

Famotidine was developed by Merck & Co. and is marketed by a joint venture between Merck and Johnson & Johnson. The imidazole-ring of cimetidine was replaced with a 2-guanidinothiazole ring. Famotidine proved to be 30 times more active than cimetidine.

It was first marketed in 1985. Pepcid RPD orally-disintegrating tablets (that are not swallowed) were released in 1999. Generic preparations became available in 2001, e.g. Fluxid (Schwarz) or Quamatel (Gedeon Richter Ltd.). In the United States, a product called Pepcid Complete is available that combines famotidine with an antacid in a chewable tablet to ameliorate the relatively slow onset of effects. In the UK, this product is known as Pepcidtwo.

Clinical use

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 post-operation nausea and to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonitis.

Adverse effects

Few adverse drug reactions are associated with famotidine use. In clinical trials, the most common adverse effects were headache, dizziness, and constipation or diarrhea.^[2]

References

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