Molecular structure of famotidine
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Famotidine

Famotidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits stomach acid production, and is commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). more...

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Clinical use

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

History and development

Famotidine was developed by Merck & Co.. 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 (as Pepcidine® and Pepcid®) in 1985. Pepcid RPD® (orally disintegrating tablets that are not swallowed) was released in 1999. Generic forms (e.g. Fluxid®, Schwarz Pharma) became available in 2001.

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.

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Heartburn and Ulcer Drug Pepcid Now Available as Generic - Brief Article
From FDA Consumer, 7/1/01

The prescription drug Pepcid (famotidine), used for the short-term treatment of heartburn and peptic ulcers, is now available in generic form. The FDA approved more than two dozen companies' generic versions in April and May, following the end of Pepcid's patent protection, held by Merck Laboratories, on April 15.

The FDA also approved in May one generic version of over-the-counter Pepcid-AC tablets.

Famotidine is available as a tablet and an injection. The drug treats heartburn and non-cancerous ulcers of the digestive system by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced. Felt as a burning sensation in the chest, heartburn is caused by stomach acid eating away at the esophagus.

Heartburn is not life-threatening, but it may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the muscle valve at the lower end of the esophagus malfunctions, allowing stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus. Left untreated, GERD can cause complications such as Barrett's esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus).

An estimated 15 million Americans experience heartburn every day, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

We're eager to hear what you like and what you don't like. We also want to know the subjects you'd like to see covered. Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to FDACletters@oc.fda.gov, or mailed to FDA Consumer, Food and Drug Administration (HFI-40),. 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Letters should be 300 words or less, signed, and include an address and telephone number for verification. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for space and appropriateness.

COPYRIGHT 2001 U.S. Government Printing Office
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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