
A single night-time dose of famotidine is equivalent to ranitidine in decreasing 24-hour gastric acidity in asymptomatic duodenal ulcer subjects. Six asymptomatic, non-smoking men with endoscopically proven duodenal ulcer disease received single nocturnal doses of placebo, 40 mg famotidine and 300 mg ranitidine each for 1 week prior to serial measurement of pH, peptic activity and serum gastrin concentrations over 24 h and of acid output.
What are the differences between famotidine and ranitidine?
Summary:
- Famotidine is the generic name of Pepcid while Ranitidine is the generic name of Zantac.
- Both drugs are histamine 2 blockers or also known as antihistamines.
- Pepcid is commonly prescribed for those with heartburn while Zantac is for those with ulcers and GERD.
- Both drugs were manufactured in 1981.
What can I take for heartburn instead of ranitidine?
What can I drink to relieve heartburn?
- Herbal tea.
- Low-fat milk.
- Plant-based milk.
- Fruit juice.
- Smoothies.
- Water.
- Coconut water.
- Drinks to avoid.
Is famotidine the same as Pepcid?
Pepcid. It is actually the brand name of a drug called famotidine. It is also available as a generic drug. Famotidine belongs to a class of medicines called histamine-2 receptor blockers that works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces. Uses. It’s available as both an over-the-counter medicine and prescription medicine.
Does ranitidine have the same risks as a PPI?
Whenever the ranitidine is adequately effective. The PPI meds are dangerous long term, associated with a 25% risk of overAll deaths, 44% increased dementia risk, marked increase in bone density loss, etc. Zantac/ ranitidine is safer. But still not good for long term use unless essential.

Does famotidine work as well as ranitidine?
Therapeutic trials indicate that famotidine 20 mg b.i.d. or 40 mg at bedtime is as effective as standard doses of cimetidine and ranitidine for healing duodenal ulcers. A dose of 40 mg at bedtime appears to heal benign gastric ulcers. A single nocturnal dose of 20 mg is effective in preventing duodenal ulcer relapse.
What is the equivalent of famotidine?
Zantac is an over-the-counter brand-name product that originally contained ranitidine, a histamine H2 antagonist similar to famotidine that’s also used to relieve heartburn, acid reflex, and other stomach conditions.
How is ranitidine different from famotidine?
Pepcid (Famotidine) works well for heartburn but may not last as long or start working as quickly as other antacids. Zantac 75 (ranitidine) works well to relieve heartburn symtoms and is quite tolerable. You can take it in combination with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) if you need relief right away.
What is Zantac 150 equivalent?
Zantac alternatives recommended by the FDA include: Nexium (esomeprazole) Prevacid (lansoprazole) Pepcid (famotidine) Tagamet (cimetidine)
Why was famotidine taken off the market?
Famotidine in Shortage Due to Heartburn Medication Recalls and COVID-19 Research. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, drug shortages have grown both in hospitals and retail pharmacies.
Why did Zantac switch to famotidine?
Following a major recall and allegations that NDMA contamination in Zantac causes cancer, manufacturers have updated the Zantac formula to remove potentially dangerous ranitidine and replace it with another ingredient called famotidine. The new Zantac is being marketed with a new name, as well — Zantac 360.
How many famotidine 10 mg can I take?
To prevent heartburn and acid indigestion, take famotidine 15-60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that can cause indigestion. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor.
Is ranitidine back on the market 2021?
The medication, which has been available in the U.S. since around June of 2021, is currently recommended for adults and children over the age of 12. People can take Zantac 360 15 minutes before eating or drinking to help prevent heartburn or after symptoms develop to relieve heartburn.
Can you still buy ranitidine in the US?
As a result of this recall, ranitidine products will no longer be available for prescription or OTC use in the US. The FDA is also advising consumers taking OTC ranitidine to stop taking this medication, including any unused ranitidine medication they may still have at home.
What is equivalent to ranitidine?
There are three PPIs that the FDA lists as alternatives to ranitidine and nizatidine: Esomeprazole (brand name Nexium) Lansoprazole (brand name Prevacid) Omeprazole (brand name Prilosec)
Is there a replacement for ranitidine?
What are the best Zantac alternatives for heartburn? According to the FDA, the following heartburn medications do not have the same risks from NDMA: famotidine (Pepcid) cimetidine (Tagamet)
Is ranitidine ever coming back?
Teva, a large generic manufacturer of ranitidine, also confirmed that it has no plans to bring the product back to the market.
What can I take other than famotidine?
Omeprazole (omeprazole coupons) can be purchased as a brand-name drug called Prilosec or Prilosec OTC. Unlike famotidine, omeprazole is classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by directly blocking proton pumps in the lining of the stomach to stop acid production.
What is the difference between omeprazole and famotidine?
Conclusions: Omeprazole is more effective than famotidine for the control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms in H. pylori-negative patients, while similar efficacy is observed in H. pylori-positive patients with non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Is omeprazole or famotidine better?
Key takeaways: Famotidine (Pepcid) and omeprazole (Prilosec) are two medications used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Both medications are effective in helping to manage GERD symptoms. Famotidine kicks in faster, but omeprazole works better and provides longer-lasting relief.
What is the safest acid reflux medicine?
Proton pump inhibitors are accepted as the most effective initial and maintenance treatment for GERD. Oral pantoprazole is a safe, well tolerated and effective initial and maintenance treatment for patients with nonerosive GERD or erosive esophagitis.
What is the difference between famotidine and ranitidine?
It works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces. Ranitidine is an H2-antagonist which is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease , Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome , and duodenal ulcer.
Which is more effective, famotidine or ranitidine?
According to a 2013 study, famotidine is more effective at reducing gastric acid secretion than ranitidine.
How does famotidine work?
Famotidine works by inhibiting the action of histamine on the cells, hence, reducing the production of acid. Ranitidine works by blocking the H2 receptors, which stops the cells from producing too much stomach acid. The effect of this medicine can be observed after 60 minutes of administration.
What is the best medicine for acid reflux?
Here is a comparison between famotidine and ranitidine, two medications that are used for the treatment of acid reflux:
What is ranitine used for?
Ranitidine is used to: prevent inhalation of acid from the stomach in pregnant women during labor; prevent recurrent bleeding from peptic ulcers; treat peptic ulcers; prevent inhalation of acid from the stomach while under general anesthetic during a medical surgery;
Which family of medications block acid production?
It belongs to a family of medications called H2 antagonists which block the production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach.
Does famotidine interact with ciprofloxacin?
Famotidine may interact in a negative way with the following medications: albuterol; ciprofloxacin; Cymbalta (duloxetine); ibuprofen. Ranitidine may interact in a negative way with the following medications: diazepam; atazanavir; pazopanib (a selective multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor);
When was ranitidine recalled?
On April 1, 2020 , the FDA announced a voluntary recall of ALL ranitidine products for an ongoing investigation of an impurity (N-nitrosodimethylamine “NDMA”).
Does cimetidine interact with other drugs?
Cimetidine (Tagamet) – please note that cimetidine may interact with other drugs and drug-drug interactions must be checked. If your clinic feels appropriate to contact patients possibly affected, there is the option for providers to generate EPIC reports to identify your patients on certain medications.
Is ranitidine a carcinogen?
NDMA is considered a probable carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
What is a ranitidine?
Remove Cimetidine from your drug comparison. Ranitidine is an acid-suppressing agent that may be used to treat a wide range of gastric-acid related disorders , including gastric ulcers, heartburn, and GERD. A headache is the most common side… View.
What is famotidine used for?
A headache is the most common side… Famotidine is an acid-suppressing agent that may be used to treat a wide range of gastric-acid related disorders including gastric ulcers, heartburn, and GERD.
What is the half life of a drug?
The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.
Is ranitidine an acid?
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions. Ranitidine is an acid-suppressing agent that may be used to treat a wide range of gastric-acid related disorders, including gastric ulcers, heartburn, and GERD.
What is famotidine used for?
Famotidine is an acid-suppressing agent that may be used to treat a wide range of gastric-acid related disorders including gastric ulcers, heartburn, and GERD. A headache is the most common side… View. more.
What is the half life of a drug?
The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.
How long does it take for ranitidine to work?
Famotidine works within 1-3 hours while ranitidine works within 2-3 hours. Both drugs will require a dosage adjustment if you have any issues with your kidneys (for example, if you have renal disease or receive dialysis).
What is the best medicine for gastric ulcers?
Pepcid (famotidine) is a H2 blocker (histamine 2 receptor blocker) that is used to decrease acid secretion in the stomach in order to treat acid reflux, also known as heart burn, and to treat gastric ulcers. Famotidine is typically taken twice a day and does not have many side effects associated with it. Pepcid comes in dosages of 20 mg and 40 mg.
Is Zantac a H2 blocker?
Zantac (ranitidine) is also a H2 blocker that is used to decrease acid secretion in the stomach. It is also used to treat ulcers and heart burn and is dosed twice daily. Zantac comes in dosages of 75 mg and 150 mg. It is important to note that even though there is a significant difference in mg dose between the two drugs, …
Is Zantac the same as Pepcid?
Answer. Pepcid (famotidine) and Zantac (ranitidine) are both in the same family of drugs and are extremely similar. There are no large scale studies comparing their effectiveness against one another unfortunately. These drugs appear to be essentially identical in terms of effectiveness, adverse reactions and tolerability.
Does mg difference correlate with potency?
It is important to note that even though there is a significant difference in mg dose between the two drugs, that does not correlate to difference in potency. Different drug compounds require different dosages to have the required effect.
Is famotidine the same as ranitidine?
In terms of side effects, famotidine and ranitidine again are very similar. The side effects associated with them including dizziness, agitation, and constipation; however, these side effects are relatively uncommon and both drugs are very safe. Both famotidine and ranitidine have the same mechanism of action and are dosed twice daily …
What Is Equivalent to Ranitidine (Zantac)?
Two drug classes could be viable Zantac alternatives. These Zantac alternatives include H2 histamine receptor antagonists (also known as H2 blockers) or proton pump inhibitors PPIs.
What are some alternatives to Zantac?
Experts explain that PPIs are a class of medications that can be excellent alternatives to Zantac. They impact the human body by blocking acid secretion. Proton pump inhibitors make great alternatives to Zantac because they are used for various stomach acid conditions to ameliorate the stomach lining.
What is the brand name of Nexium?
Brand name: Nexium (Lansoprazole/Esomeprazole) Brand name: Pepcid (Famotidine) Brand name: Tagamet (Cimetidine) With options such as these, patients can treat their heartburn and boost their overall health. Experts explain that PPIs are a class of medications that can be excellent alternatives to Zantac.
How long does Zantac stay stable?
Zantac will remain stable for 7 days at room temperatures, studies show. When Zantac is exposed to too much heat, even when packaged, the NDMA can increase. That’s why many Masters of Public Health and experts, like the ones at the University of Florida, want to know more about Zantac before it can return to the market.
Why was Zantac recalled?
Why Did FDA Recall Zantac? The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) demanded a recall for generic ranitidine, such as Zantac. Because it could feature unacceptable levels of NDMA. Drug companies had to withdraw their generic ranitidine from the market due to possible NDMA contamination, which is a known human carcinogen.
Is Zantac safe for heartburn?
5 Zantac Alternatives FDA Recommends for Heartburn. Millions of people across the United States have been using Zantac ( raniti dine) heartburn medicine for a long time. However, in April 2020, the FDA demanded all manufacturing companies withdraw their over the counter and prescription ranitidine products known as brand name Zantac.
Is NDMA a carcinogen?
N nitrosodimethyl amine NDMA is a volatile organic compound. If the FDA testing method shows NDMA levels higher than 96 nanograms per day (acceptable daily intake), then according to the FDA the carcinogen N nitrosodimethylamine could pose a threat to the human system. Especially when Zantac is kept under improper storage conditions.
How much Pepcid is equivalent to Zantac?
20 mg of Pepcid/famotidine is equivalent to 75 mg of Zantac/ranitidine.
Can you take antacids with FD?
Not taking an antacid for those with FD is not an option. Zantac/ranitidine mediates its antacid effect by acting as a H2 blocker. While many of the other antacids that are currently on the market do not work by this mechanism (and I, therefore, do not recommend their use), the other H2 blocker that is readily available by prescription and “over the counter” is Pepcid/famotidine. Pepcid/famotidine has been shown to be as effective at blocking acid production as Zantac/ranitidine. Pepcid/famotidine has been used successfully by some with FD. The dose (amount of milligrams, commonly abbreviated “mg”) of Pepcid/famotidine that is needed to control acid production is lower than the amount of Zantac/ranitidine needed. 20 mg of Pepcid/famotidine is equivalent to 75 mg of Zantac/ranitidine. Just to clarify the matter, if someone with FD is, for example, is taking a 150 mg dose of Zantac/ranitidine, he/she would need to take 40mg of Pepcid/famotidine.
Does Zantac contain NDMA?
Recent news reports indicate that Zantac contains a very small amount of a carcinogen called NDMA. After spending several hours trying to learn more about the risks associated with the ingestion of NDMA, I am finding that the information currently available provides no clear answers.

Introduction
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Uses
Mechanism of Action
Side Effects
Dosage
Warnings & Precautions
Bottom Line – Famotidine vs Ranitidine
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Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker that is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces. Ranitidine is an H2-antagonist that is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, and duodenal ulcers. It works by blocking the production of acid…