Famotidine: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your stomach feels like it’s on fire after eating, or you wake up with a sour taste in your mouth, famotidine, a histamine-2 blocker that reduces stomach acid production. Also known as Pepcid, it’s one of the most common over-the-counter and prescription drugs for managing acid-related discomfort. Unlike antacids that just coat the stomach, famotidine stops acid at the source—slowing down the cells that make it. That’s why it lasts longer and works better for recurring issues like heartburn or nighttime reflux.

Famotidine is used for more than just occasional heartburn. It’s prescribed for peptic ulcers, sores in the stomach or upper intestine caused by excess acid or H. pylori bacteria, and for GERD, a chronic condition where acid backs up into the esophagus. People on long-term NSAIDs like ibuprofen often take it to protect their stomach lining. It’s also used in hospitals to prevent stress ulcers in critically ill patients. The key difference between famotidine and other acid reducers? It doesn’t cause the same rebound effect as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) when stopped suddenly, making it a safer choice for short-term use.

It’s not magic, though. Famotidine won’t fix a hiatal hernia or stop you from eating spicy food. It works best when paired with lifestyle changes—avoiding late meals, cutting back on caffeine, and not lying down right after eating. Some people use it before big meals or drinking alcohol to prevent flare-ups. It’s also a go-to for travelers who know their stomach reacts to new foods. Unlike antacids that need to be taken with every meal, famotidine often works with just one or two doses a day, which is why so many keep it in their medicine cabinet.

What you won’t find in the bottle is a cure. But if you’ve tried Tums and still feel the burn, famotidine might be the next step. It’s been around for decades, studied in thousands of patients, and remains one of the most reliable tools for managing acid issues without the long-term risks of stronger drugs. Whether you’re dealing with daily discomfort or just need a reliable fix for occasional heartburn, famotidine gives you control—without needing a prescription for most uses.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights on how famotidine fits into daily health routines, what alternatives work better for some people, and how to avoid common mistakes when using it. No fluff. Just what you need to know to use it safely and effectively.