H2-receptor antagonist
Famotidine in Canada: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Famotidine in Canada under Health Canada: prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in CAD. Famotidine belongs to the H2-receptor antagonist class.
- Regulator
- Health Canada
- Currency
- CAD
About Famotidine
Famotidine is approved in adults and children for short-term treatment of active duodenal and gastric ulcer, maintenance therapy of duodenal ulcer, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other hypersecretory condi… Canada classifies medications as Schedule I (prescription), II (pharmacist-only OTC), III (open OTC) or unscheduled, with provincial variation. Provincial drug plans cover prescription costs at varying rates.
Mechanism and action
Famotidine reversibly and competitively blocks histamine H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells, reducing both basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion.
Brands and generics in Canada
In Canada, Famotidine is typically dispensed as one internationally recognised brand along with their corresponding authorised generics. Canadian pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs and many independents) are licensed provincially, and pharmacists in several provinces can prescribe for minor ailments. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local Health Canada equivalence rules, and the price difference in CAD is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online pharmacy is regulated provincially in Canada; cross-border imports are restricted. Tele-prescribing platforms have expanded prescription access since 2020. For Famotidine specifically, the legal online options in Canada depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under Health Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Is Famotidine available in Canada? ▾
Yes — Famotidine and its brands are available in Canada through pharmacies authorised by Health Canada, in various strengths depending on the commercial product. Authorised generics offer a lower-cost alternative with the same active substance.
Do I need a prescription for Famotidine in Canada? ▾
Canada classifies medications as Schedule I (prescription), II (pharmacist-only OTC), III (open OTC) or unscheduled, with provincial variation. Provincial drug plans cover prescription costs at varying rates. The exact status of Famotidine (Rx or OTC) is determined by Health Canada; most active ingredients in the H2-receptor antagonist class require prescription, although there are exceptions by country and formulation.
How much does Famotidine cost in Canada? ▾
The price in CAD depends on the manufacturer (brand vs authorised generic), the strength and the pack size. Generics are typically substantially cheaper than brands and serve as the economic reference for ongoing use.
Products with Famotidine in Canada
Famotidine in other countries
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.