# Famotidine (Pepcid)

Source: https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs/famotidine
Data: FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA, refreshed periodically

## What is Famotidine?

Famotidine (brand name: Pepcid) is a h2 receptor antagonist. It is prescribed to treat urticaria, duodenal ulcer, stomach ulcer. Across the United States, 205,000 doctors prescribe Famotidine to approximately 3.1 million Medicare patients, making it one of the 50 most prescribed drugs in America.

## Brand names

Pepcid

## Indications

Famotidine is prescribed for several conditions including urticaria, duodenal ulcer, stomach ulcer, among others.

## Conditions treated

- [Urticaria](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/urticaria)
- [Duodenal Ulcer](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/duodenal-ulcer)
- [Stomach Ulcer](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/stomach-ulcer)
- [Dyspepsia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/dyspepsia)
- [Esophagitis](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/esophagitis)
- [Peptic](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/peptic)
- [Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/zollinger-ellison-syndrome)
- [Heartburn](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/heartburn)
- [Gastroesophageal Reflux](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux)
- [Helicobacter Infections](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/helicobacter-infections)

## Mechanism of action

Famotidine is a competitive inhibitor of histamine-2 (H 2 ) receptors. The primary clinically important pharmacologic activity of famotidine is inhibition of gastric secretion.

## Drug classification

- Established Pharmacologic Class: H2 Receptor Antagonist
- Mechanism of Action class: Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists [MoA]
- Route of administration: ORAL

## Common side effects

constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache

## Sources and disclaimers

- FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA dataset
- This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

## Related

- [All drugs](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs)
- [Find specialists who prescribe this drug](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/find-doctors)
- [Methodology](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/methodology)