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Famotidine

Prescription ANDA TE AB Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Famotidine
Generic name
Famotidine
Dosage form
For Suspension
Route
Oral
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Lupin Pharmaceuticals,Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
3
Packages
3
Data completeness
77% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Famotidine 40 mg/5mL 283641 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
For Suspension
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
6

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists [MoA] MoA All 48 members
Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist [EPC] EPC All 48 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
201695
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
December 17, 2012
Sponsor
NOVEL LABS INC
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
1
Products approved under application 201695.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
201695-001 FAMOTIDINE FOR SUSPENSION FAMOTIDINE Prescription AB

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 201695.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Original application 1 Not Applicable Approved December 17, 2012 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251130). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251130 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20171121

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Famotidine for oral suspension is indicated in adults for the treatment of: active duodenal ulcer (DU). active gastric ulcer (GU). symptomatic nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). erosive esophagitis due to GERD, diagnosed by biopsy. treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasias). reduction of the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence. Famotidine for oral suspension is indicated in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older for the treatment of: peptic ulcer disease. GERD with or without esophagitis and ulcerations. Famotidine for oral suspension is indicated in pediatric patients from birth to less than 1 year of age for the treatment of: GERD. Famotidine for oral suspension is a histamine-2 (H 2 ) receptor antagonist indicated ( 1 ): In adults for the treatment of: active duodenal ulcer (DU). active gastric ulcer (GU). symptomatic nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). erosive esophagitis due to GERD, diagnosed by biopsy. treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasias). reduction of the risk of DU recurrence. In pediatric patients 1 year of age and older for the treatment of: peptic ulcer GERD with or without esophagitis and ulcerations In pediatric patients from birth to less than 1 year of age for the treatment of: GERD.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended adult dosage by indication ( 2.1 ): Active DU 40 mg once daily; or 20 mg twice daily Active GU 40 mg once daily Symptomatic Nonerosive GERD 20 mg twice daily Erosive Esophagitis due to GERD 20 mg twice daily; or 40 mg twice daily Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions 20 mg every 6 hours; adjust to patient needs; maximum 160 mg every 6 hours Risk Reduction of DU Recurrence 20 mg once daily Recommended pediatric dosage by indication ( 2.2 ): Peptic Ulcer Disease 1 year to less than 17 years Starting dosage 0.5 mg/kg once daily; or 0.25 mg/kg twice daily; may increase to 1 mg/kg once daily at bedtime or 0.5 mg/kg twice daily; Maximum of 40 mg per day GERD Birth to less than 3 months Starting dosage 0.5 mg/kg once daily; may increase to 1 mg/kg once daily 3 months to less than 1 year Starting dosage 0.5 mg/kg twice daily; may increase to 1 mg/kg twice daily; Maximum of 40 mg per day GERD with or without esophagitis and ulcerations 1 year to less than 17 years 0.5 mg/kg twice daily Maximum of 40 mg twice daily See full prescribing information for complete dosing information in adults and pediatrics, recommended treatment duration by indication, and dosage adjustment for adult patients with renal impairment. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 ) Administration ( 2.3 ): Take once daily before bedtime or twice daily in the morning and before bedtime with or without food. 2.1 Recommended Dosage in Adults The recommended dosage and duration of famotidine for oral suspension in adults with normal renal function is shown in Table 1. Table 1: Recommended Dosage and Duration of Famotidine for Oral Suspension a in Adults with Normal Renal Function a After preparation, the concentration of famotidine for oral suspension is 8 mg/mL [See Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] b Both dosages demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . c In clinical trials, the majority of patients healed within 4 weeks. For patients who do not heal after 4 weeks, consider an additional 2 weeks to 4 weeks of treatment [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. d Longer treatment durations have not been studied in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 , 14.2 , 14.3 )] . Indication Recommended Dosage Recommended Duration Active DU 40 mg once daily; or 20 mg twice daily b Up to 8 weeks c,d Active GU 40 mg once daily Up to 8 weeks d Symptomatic nonerosive GERD 20 mg twice daily Up to 6 weeks d Erosive esophagitis due to GERD, diagnosed by endoscopy 20 mg twice daily; or 40 mg twice daily b Up to 12 weeks Pathological hypersecretory conditions Starting dosage: 20 mg every 6 hours; adjust dosage to individual patient needs Maximum dosage 160 mg every 6 hours As clinically indicated Reduction of the risk of DU recurrence 20 mg once daily 1 year c,d or as clinically indicated 2.2 Recommended Dosage in Pediatric Patients The recommended dosage and duration of famotidine for oral suspension in pediatric patients with normal renal function is shown in Table 2. Table 2: Recommended Dosage and Duration of Famotidine for Oral Suspension a in Pediatric Patients with Normal Renal Function a After preparation, the concentration of famotidine for oral suspension is 8 mg/mL [See Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] b Treatment duration based on adult recommendations (see Table 1). Individualize the dose and duration based upon clinical response an/or pH determinations (gastric or esophageal) and endoscopy. c Use conservative measures (e.g., thickened feedings) concurrently [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )]. d After 4 weeks of treatment re-evaluate the patient. Consider an additional 4 weeks of treatment if treatment benefit outweighs potential risks. Indication Pediatric Age Range Recommended Dosage a Duration Peptic Ulcer Disease 1 year to less than 17 years Starting dosage 0.5 mg/kg once daily; or 0.25 mg/kg twice daily. May increase to 1 mg/kg once daily at bedtime or 0.5 mg/kg twice daily Maximum of 40 mg per day 8 weeks b …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS For Oral Suspension: 400 mg as a white to off-white granular powder. When constituted as directed, famotidine for oral suspension USP is a white to off-white smooth, homogeneous suspension with cherry-banana-mint flavour, containing 40 mg of famotidine per 5 mL. For oral suspension: 40 mg/5 mL ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Famotidine for oral suspension is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to famotidine or other histamine-2 (H 2 ) receptor antagonists. History of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to famotidine or other H 2 receptor antagonists. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Central Nervous System (CNS) Adverse Reactions : Elderly patients and patients with renal impairment at increased risk; reduce the dosage. ( 2.2 , 5.1 , 8.5 , 8.6 ) GI Malignancy : Absence of GI symptoms does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy; evaluate prior to initiating therapy. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Central Nervous System Adverse Reactions Central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions, including confusion, delirium, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizures, and lethargy, have been reported in elderly patients and patients with moderate and severe renal impairment treated with famotidine. Since famotidine blood levels are higher in patients with renal impairment than in patients with normal renal function, dosage adjustments are recommended in patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 5.2 Concurrent Gastric Malignancy In adults, symptomatic response to therapy with famotidine for oral suspension does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy. Consider evaluation for gastric malignancy in adult patients who have a suboptimal response or an early symptomatic relapse after completing treatment with famotidine for oral suspension.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions are: headache, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ajanta Pharma USA, Inc., at 1-855-664-7744 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of famotidine for oral suspension has been established based on adequate and well-controlled studies of another oral famotidine product [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . The following is a summary of the adverse reactions reported in those studies. Oral famotidine was studied in 7 US and international placebo- and active-controlled trials in approximately 2500 patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . A total of 1442 patients were treated with famotidine, including 302 treated with 40 mg twice daily, 456 treated with 20 mg twice daily, 461 treated with 40 mg once daily, and 396 treated with 20 mg once daily. The population was 17 years to 91 years old, fairly well distributed between sex and race; however, the predominant race was Caucasian. The following adverse reactions occurred in greater than or equal to 1% of famotidine-treated patients: headache, dizziness and constipation. The following other adverse reactions were reported in less than 1% of patients in clinical trials: Body as a Whole: fever, asthenia, fatigue Cardiovascular: palpitations Gastrointestinal: elevated liver enzymes, vomiting, nausea, abdominal discomfort, anorexia, dry mouth Hematologic: thrombocytopenia Hypersensitivity: orbital edema, rash, conjunctival injection, bronchospasm Musculoskeletal: musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia Nervous System/Psychiatric: seizure, hallucinations, depression, anxiety, decreased libido, insomnia, somnolence Skin: pruritus, dry skin, flushing Special Senses: tinnitus, taste disorder Other: impotence Pediatric Patients Less Than One Year of Age In a clinical study in 35 pediatric patients less than 1 year of age with GERD symptoms, two patients discontinued due to adverse reactions. Agitation observed in 5 patients resolved when famotidine was discontinued [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )]. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of famotidine. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiovascular: arrhythmia, AV block, prolonged QT interval Gastrointestinal: cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis Hematologic: agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, leukopenia Hypersensitivity: anaphylaxis, angioedema, facial edema, urticaria Musculoskeletal: rhabdomyolysis, muscle cramps Nervous System/Psychiatric: confusion, agitation, paresthesia Respiratory: interstitial pneumonia Skin: toxic epidermal necrolysis/Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Drugs Dependent on Gastric pH for Absorption : Systemic exposure of the concomitant drug may be significantly reduced leading to loss of efficacy. See full prescribing information for a list of interacting drugs. ( 7.1 ) Tizanidine (CYP1A2) Substrate: Potential for substantial increases in blood concentrations of tizanidine resulting in hypotension, bradycardia or excessive drowsiness; avoid concomitant use, if possible. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Drugs Dependent on Gastric pH for Absorption Famotidine can reduce the absorption of other drugs, due to its effect on reducing intragastric acidity, leading to loss of efficacy of the concomitant drug. Concomitant administration of famotidine for oral suspension with dasatinib, delavirdine mesylate, cefditoren, and fosamprenavir is not recommended. See the prescribing information for other drugs dependent on gastric pH for absorption for administration instructions, including atazanavir, erlotinib, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, nilotinib, and rilpivirine. 7.2 Tizanidine (CYP1A2 Substrate) Although not studied clinically, famotidine is considered a weak CYP1A2 inhibitor and may lead to substantial increases in blood concentrations of tizanidine, a CYP1A2 substrate. Avoid concomitant use with famotidine for oral suspension. If concomitant use is necessary, monitor for hypotension, bradycardia or excessive drowsiness. Refer to the full prescribing information for tizanidine.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Geriatric Use: Use the lowest effective dose for an elderly patient and monitor renal function. ( 2.2 , 5.1 , 8.5 ) Renal Impairment: Risk of CNS adverse reactions and QT prolongation in patients with moderate and severe renal impairment; reduce the dosage in adults. ( 2.2 , 8.6 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data with H 2 -receptor antagonists, including famotidine, in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse development effects were observed with oral administration of famotidine at doses up to approximately 243 and 122 times, respectively, the recommended human dose of 80 mg per day for the treatment of erosive esophagitis (see Data) . The estimated background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Reproductive studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at oral doses of up to 2000 mg/kg/day and 500 mg/kg/day, respectively, and in both species at intravenous doses of up to 200 mg/kg/day, and have revealed no significant evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to famotidine. While no direct fetotoxic effects have been observed, sporadic abortions occurring only in mothers displaying marked decreased food intake were seen in some rabbits at oral doses of 200 mg/kg/day (about 49 times the recommended human dose of 80 mg per day, based on body surface area) or higher. There are, however, no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are limited data available on the presence of famotidine in human breast milk. There were no effects on the breastfed infant. There are no data on famotidine effects on milk production. Famotidine is present in the milk of lactating rats (see Data). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for famotidine and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from famotidine for oral suspension or from the underlying maternal condition. Data Animal Data Transient growth depression was observed in young rats suckling from mothers treated with maternotoxic doses of famotidine at least 600 times the usual human dose. 8.4 Pediatric Use Peptic Ulcer Disease and GERD With or Without Esophagitis and Ulcerations Pediatric Patients One Year to Less than 17 Years of Age The safety and effectiveness of famotidine for oral suspension have been established in pediatric patients 1 year to less than 17 years of age for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and GERD with or without esophagitis and ulcerations. Use of famotidine for oral suspension in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of famotidine in adults with additional pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in pediatric patients 1 year to less than 17 years of age [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 , 12.3 )] . The safety and effectiveness of famotidine for oral suspension for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease in pediatric patients less than one year of age have not been established. GERD Pediatric Patients Less Than One Year of Age The safety and effectiveness of famotidine for oral suspension have been established in pediatric patients from birth to less than 1 year of age for the treatment of GERD. The use of famotidine for oral suspension this is age group is supported by evidence from adequate …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 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. Both the acid concentration and volume of gastric secretion are suppressed by famotidine, while changes in pepsin secretion are proportional to volume output.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION The active ingredient in Famotidine for Oral Suspension is a histamine H 2 -receptor antagonist. Famotidine is N-(aminosulfonyl)-3-[[[2-[(diaminomethylene)amino]-4- thiazolyl]methyl]thio]propanimidamide. The empirical formula of famotidine is C 8 H 15 N 7 O 2 S 3 and its molecular weight is 337.43. Its structural formula is: Famotidine is a white to pale yellow crystalline compound that is freely soluble in glacial acetic acid, slightly soluble in methanol, very slightly soluble in water, and practically insoluble in ethanol. Each 5 mL of the oral suspension when prepared as directed contains 40 mg of famotidine and the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous citric acid, flavors (cherry, banana, and mint), microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, confectioner's sugar, corn starch, colloidal silicon-dioxide and xanthan gum. Added as preservatives are sodium benzoate and sodium methylparaben. C:\Documents and Settings\spolina\desktop\Labeling Response\Famotidine for oral susp\structure.JPG

OVERDOSAGE The adverse reactions in overdose cases are similar to the adverse reactions encountered in normal clinical experience (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Oral doses of up to 640 mg/day have been given to adult patients with pathological hypersecretory conditions with no serious adverse effects. In the event of overdosage, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Unabsorbed material should be removed from the gastrointestinal tract, the patient should be monitored, and supportive therapy should be employed. The oral LD 50 of famotidine in male and female rats and mice was greater than 3000 mg/kg and the minimum lethal acute oral dose in dogs exceeded 2000 mg/kg. Famotidine did not produce overt effects at high oral doses in mice, rats, cats and dogs, but induced significant anorexia and growth depression in rabbits starting with 200 mg/kg/day orally. The intravenous LD 50 of famotidine for mice and rats ranged from 254 to 563 mg/kg and the minimum lethal single I.V. dose in dogs was approximately 300 mg/kg. Signs of acute intoxication in I.V. treated dogs were emesis, restlessness, pallor of mucous membranes or redness of mouth and ears, hypotension, tachycardia and collapse.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

HOW SUPPLIED Famotidine for Oral Suspension is a white to off-white powder containing 400 mg of famotidine for constitution. When constituted to 50 mL as directed, Famotidine for Oral Suspension is a smooth, mobile, off-white, homogeneous suspension with a cherry-banana-mint flavor, containing 40 mg of famotidine per 5 mL. NDC 43386-500-11, bottles containing 400 mg famotidine. Storage Preserve in well-closed, light resistant containers. Store at controlled room temperature. Store Famotidine for Oral Suspension dry powder and suspension at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Suspension: Protect from freezing. Discard unused suspension after 30 days. Manufactured by: Novel Laboratories, Inc Somerset, NJ USA Manufactured for: GAVIS Pharmaceuticals, LLC Somerset, NJ 08873 PI5001100202 Rev. 07/2013

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
118,947
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: FAMOTIDINE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Recalls

Source: FDA Enforcement
Drug recall enforcement reports associated with this product.
Classification Reported Firm Reason Status
Class III September 3, 2014 Novel Laboratories, Inc. Failed Impurity/Degradation Specification; 12-month stability time point Terminated

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
27241-249-49 27241-249 Ajanta Pharma USA Inc. 50 mL in 1 BOTTLE (27241-249-49) April 25, 2022
43598-572-11 43598-572 DR. REDDY'S LABORATORIES INC 50 mL in 1 BOTTLE (43598-572-11) March 15, 2024
43386-500-11 43386-500 Lupin Pharmaceuticals,Inc. 50 mL in 1 BOTTLE (43386-500-11) December 17, 2012
27241-249 27241-249 Ajanta Pharma USA Inc. — April 25, 2022
43598-572 43598-572 DR. REDDY'S LABORATORIES INC — March 15, 2024
43386-500 43386-500 Lupin Pharmaceuticals,Inc. — December 17, 2012

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts
Enforcement FDA Recall records

Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.