Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of famotidine in patients with functional dyspepsia

Histamine 2-receptor antagonists were used as a first therapy against functional dyspepsia. However, few clinical studies with famotidine for functional dyspepsia have been reported.

To evaluate the effectiveness of famotidine for functional dyspepsia patients.

A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trail was conducted. Patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia by the Roma II criteria were included. Subjects were randomized into two groups, and received either famotidine or placebo as the first 4 weeks medication. After a 1-week washout period, they were switched to the other regimen for another 4 weeks. Evaluation was made prior to the start of study, upon completion of the first drug cycle, and the second drug cycle, by Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale for the seriousness of abdominal symptoms, and by Short Form-36 for the level of quality of life.

Nineteen of 21 enrolled patients successfully completed this study. Significant improvement in Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale scores was observed in abdominal pain (P = 0.007), indigestion and reflux syndrome after famotidine treatment. Also quality of life scores showed significant improvement in body pain, vitality and general health perceptions after famotidine treatment. There was no improvement of symptoms and quality of life scores after administration of placebo.

Famotidine was effective for improving symptoms and quality of life in functional dyspepsia patients.