Since its introduction into the USA, famotidine has been widely studied. A variety of studies has shown it to be a very potent H2-receptor antagonist; more potent and longer acting than cimetidine or ranitidine. It has been shown to be efficacious, cost-effective and relatively safe in the treatment of duodenal ulcers, benign gastric ulcers, in maintenance therapy, and when used intravenously in the critical care setting.