Novel oral medication delivery system for famotidine.
A famotidine wafer that rapidly disperses on the tongue without water is a novel alternative to other histamine2 (H2)-antagonist dosage forms. Benefits associated with such a dosage form include convenience and potentially improved compliance for patients who dislike or have difficulty taking tablets and capsules. This report describes the research of three studies on the famotidine wafer dosage form. In the first trial, the bioequivalence and tolerability of the new 40-mg famotidine wafer and the marketed 40-mg famotidine tablet were studied in a 2-period crossover study (n = 18). The two formulations were bioequivalent as assessed by area under the plasma concentration versus time curve and maximum plasma concentration of famotidine. The plasma concentration of famotidine associated with 50% inhibition of pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid secretion (EC50; 10 ng/mL) was attained on average within 0.5 hours post-dose for the wafer and tablet. In a second trial, the tolerability of the famotidine 20-mg and 40-mg wafers or placebo given twice daily (bid) for 14 days were evaluated (n = 192). Both wafer strengths were well and equally tolerated. In a third trial of 450 subjects, the 40-mg wafer was preferred over tablets by 75% of the subjects, when they were asked to consider the method of administration and flavor. When used as an alternative to tablets and other conventional dosage forms, the wafers have the potential therapeutic benefit of improved compliance. It is concluded that similar systemic exposure, excellent tolerability, palatability, and preference make the famotidine wafer a clinically acceptable and convenient dosage from for patients on H2-antagonist therapy.