Famotidine Famotidine

Famotidine - Definition and Overview

Molecular structure of famotidine
Famotidine

3-[2-(diaminomethyleneamino)thiazol-
4-ylmethylthio]-
N-sulfamoylpropionamidine
CAS number
76824-35-6
ATC code
Chemical formula C8H15N7O2S3
Molecular weight 337.5
Bioavailability 40-45%
Metabolism hepatic
Elimination half-life 2-3.5 hours
Excretion renal
Pregnancy category B1 (Australia)
Legal status Schedule 4 (Aust)
POM (UK)
Routes of administration oral


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). It was developed and marketed by Merck & Co. under the trade names Pepcidine and Pepcid.

Clinical use

Main article: H2-receptor antagonist

History and development

Famotidine was developed by Merck & Co., and was first marketed in 1985. The imidazole-ring of cimetidine was replaced with a 2-guanidinothiazole ring. Famotidine proved to be 30 times more active than cimetidine.

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