Upsides

Used to treat active duodenal or gastric ulcers in the short term.

It is safe to use for up to a year as a maintenance treatment for healed duodenal or gastric ulcers.

Because it reduces stomach acid secretion, it may be used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or hypersecretory conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or systemic mastocytosis.

It may also be used to treat and maintain endoscopically diagnosed erosive esophagitis.

Famotidine is available over-the-counter in approved packaging, allowing adults and children over the age of 12 to self-medicate for mild gastrointestinal complaints such as occasional heartburn, indigestion, or sour stomach caused by certain foods.

Some H2 blockers may be less likely to interact with other medications than others.

Can be used in conjunction with antacids.

There is generic famotidine available.