H2 Blockers in Clinical Practice for Conditions Other Than Hiccups
Pharmacological Properties and Clinical Applications
- H2 blockers such as famotidine, ranitidine, and cimetidine are commonly used to treat abdominal and vascular symptoms in conditions like mast cell activation syndrome, but not specifically for hiccups 1
- The American College of Cardiology notes that, unlike proton pump inhibitors, famotidine does not interfere with the antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel, making it a potential alternative in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy 3
- Long-term use of famotidine may lead to tachyphylaxis within 6 weeks of treatment initiation, potentially limiting its effectiveness for extended use 2