What is Famotidine Tablet Composition?
Famotidine tablets are a medication used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and small intestine, and to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and conditions that cause too much stomach acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The active ingredient in famotidine tablets is famotidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist. [1]
What Other Ingredients Are in Famotidine Tablets?
In addition to famotidine, the tablet composition typically includes several inactive ingredients, also known as excipients. These are added to help form the tablet, improve its stability, and aid in its absorption in the body. Common inactive ingredients found in famotidine tablets can include:
* Cellulose: Often used as a filler and binder. [2]
* Starch: Can function as a binder and disintegrant, helping the tablet break apart in the stomach. [2]
* Magnesium Stearate: Used as a lubricant to prevent the tablet mixture from sticking to manufacturing equipment. [2]
* Hypromellose: A binder and coating agent. [2]
* Titanium Dioxide: Used as a coloring agent. [2]
* Polyethylene Glycol: A plasticizer often used in tablet coatings. [2]
The specific inactive ingredients can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the strength of the tablet.
How Does Famotidine Work?
Famotidine works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It does this by blocking the action of histamine on the parietal cells in the stomach lining. Histamine stimulates these cells to produce acid. By blocking histamine's effects, famotidine effectively decreases gastric acid secretion. [1]
When Do Famotidine Patents Expire?
Information regarding specific patent expiry dates for famotidine is often managed by specialized databases. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks pharmaceutical patents and exclusivity periods, which would provide details on when patent protection for famotidine formulations may have ended or is scheduled to end. [3]
Can Generic Famotidine Be Made?
Yes, once the patents and market exclusivity periods for a brand-name drug have expired, generic versions can be manufactured and sold. Generic famotidine tablets are widely available and are bioequivalent to the brand-name product, meaning they deliver the same amount of active ingredient into the bloodstream over the same period. [4] This allows for more affordable treatment options for patients.