H2 blockers compared
Compare all 4 H2 blockers side by side, used for conditions such as duodenal ulcer, dyspepsia, esophagitis, peptic. H2 blockers are the Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist class. They share one FDA-defined mechanism but differ in approved uses, prescription status, brand-vs-generic options, price, and FDA recall-safety record — which our independent rating scores. The highest-rated is famotidine.
Top-rated histamine-2 receptor antagonist: 1. Famotidine · 2. Pepcid Ac · 3. Tagamet Hb
| Drug | Generic | Form | Status | Used for | Safety ratingFDA recall-based | Pharmacy pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Famotidine | — | Suspension | Prescription | Duodenal Ulcer, Dyspepsia | 70/100 | $2 |
| Pepcid Ac | Famotidine | Tablet | Over-the-counter | Duodenal Ulcer, Dyspepsia | 70/100 | $2 |
| Tagamet Hb | Cimetidine | Tablet | Over-the-counter | Duodenal Ulcer, Dyspepsia | 70/100 | $10 |
| Cimetidine Hydrochloride | — | Solution | Prescription | Duodenal Ulcer, Dyspepsia | Not yet rated | $10 |
The safety rating column is unique to pharmaranks — an independent 0–100 score from FDA regulatory recall data. Higher is safer. Not medical advice.
Best histamine-2 receptor antagonist by condition
Full ranking · 4 drugs
- 170/100
famotidine
Famotidine
- 270/100
pepcid ac
Famotidine
- 370/100
tagamet hb
Cimetidine
- 4New
cimetidine hydrochloride
Cimetidine Hydrochloride
Frequently asked questions
What is the Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist drug class?
Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist is an FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC) — a group of drugs that share a mechanism of action. pharmaranks lists 4 Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist products, each independently rated.
Are all Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist drugs the same?
No. Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist drugs share the same core mechanism — that is why they sit in one FDA class — but they differ in their approved uses, available forms, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter, brand-vs-generic options and price, and their FDA recall-safety record.
Is "H2 blockers" the same as the Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist class?
Yes — "H2 blockers" is the everyday name for the Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist drug class. This page compares the 4 H2 blockers pharmaranks rates, with our independent FDA recall-safety score for each.
What conditions do Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist drugs treat?
Per NIH RxClass drug-classification data, Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist drugs are used for conditions including duodenal ulcer, dyspepsia, esophagitis, peptic, gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcer.
Which Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist drug is best-rated?
By our independent rating, famotidine currently ranks highest among Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist drugs. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data — always consult a professional.
Sources: the Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist class definition and its member drugs come from the U.S. NLM RxClass (Established Pharmacologic Class). Ratings are pharmaranks’ independent FDA recall-safety analysis.