The effect of some formulation variables on the release rate of famotidine, a $H_2$ receptor antagonist, from cellulose matrices containing hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) in different ratios and types was investigated. The effects of tablet shape and compression pressure on dissolution rate of famotidine were studied. And the effect of the pH of dissolution media was also studied. Increase in the ratio of polymer to drug decreased the release rate of famotidine. Increase of the polymer viscosity also decreased the release rate. The release rate of famotidine was dependent on the pH of dissolution media. The release rate of drug was not much dependent on the compression pressure but dependent on the tablet shape and/or surface area. Consequently, the release rate of famotidine can be modified by changing the HPC contents, types of polymers with different viscosity grades or using appropriate fillers.