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Famotidine Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Famotidine Xolair (omalizumab) Zyrtec (cetirizine)
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Famotidine Xolair (omalizumab) Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Prescription and OTC

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

Prescription only

Xolair is an injectable preparation that works by preventing IgE from binding to IgE receptors on mast cells and basophils and may be used to treat allergic asthma, nasal polyps, chronic idiopathic... View more

Prescription and OTC

Zyrtec is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic reactions such as hay fever or skin reactions caused by insect bites. Although drowsiness with Zyrtec is uncommon, Zyrtec is more likely... View more

More about Famotidine More about Xolair (omalizumab) More about Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Ratings & Reviews

Famotidine has an average rating of 4.4 out of 10 from a total of 172 ratings on Drugs.com. 34% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 57% reported a negative effect.

Xolair has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 227 ratings on Drugs.com. 68% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 18% reported a negative effect.

Zyrtec has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 196 ratings on Drugs.com. 44% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 35% reported a negative effect.

View all 172 reviews

View all 227 reviews

View all 196 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

View all Famotidine side effects

View all Xolair side effects

View all Zyrtec side effects
Drug Class
Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

N/A

 Lower cost generic approved
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 6 tablet
Strength 20 mg
Per unit* $2.15
Cost* $12.88

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We could not find an exact match for this medicine. Try searching the Price Guide directly.
Quantity 14 tablet
Strength 10 mg
Per unit* $1.58
Cost* $22.15

View all Zyrtec prices

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Dosage Forms
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral powder for reconstitution
  • Oral tablet
  • Subcutaneous powder for injection
  • Subcutaneous solution
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral syrup
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, chewable
  • Oral tablet, dispersible
Brand Names
Acid Control, Acid Controller Maximum Strength, Acid Controller Original Strength, Acid Reducer Maximum Strength, Acid Reducer Original Strength, Acid Reducer-Famotidine, Heartburn Relief, Heartburn Relief Maximum Strength, Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid AC Chewable Tablets, Pepcid AC Maximum Strength, Pepcid AC Maximum Strength Tablets, Pepcid Oral Suspension, Zantac 360 View more Other omalizumab brands include: Omlyclo Other cetirizine brands include: All Day Allergy, All Day Allergy Children's, Aller-Tec, Aller-Tec Children's, Alleroff, Children's Allergy Relief, Equate Allergy Relief, PediaCare Children's 24-Hour Allergy, Quzyttir, Zyrtec Hives View more
Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

4 hours

624 hours

10.6 hours
CSA Schedule 1 View glossary of CSA terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 311 drugs are known to interact with Famotidine:

  • 14 major drug interactions (36 brand and generic names)
  • 251 moderate drug interactions (820 brand and generic names)
  • 46 minor drug interactions (293 brand and generic names)

A total of 27 drugs are known to interact with Xolair:

  • 2 major drug interactions (4 brand and generic names)
  • 16 moderate drug interactions (32 brand and generic names)
  • 9 minor drug interactions (37 brand and generic names)

A total of 254 drugs are known to interact with Zyrtec:

  • 2 major drug interactions (4 brand and generic names)
  • 250 moderate drug interactions (1079 brand and generic names)
  • 2 minor drug interactions (41 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of cetirizine such as dizziness, drowsiness... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

October 15, 1986

June 20, 2003

N/A
WADA Class View classifications

N/A

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient Resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

1 The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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