Pepcid is a brand-name prescription stomach acid reducer for people with stomach acid diseases. Its active ingredient, famotidine, is a type of antihistamine called an H2 blocker. It suppresses the stomach’s ability to secrete acid, helping to relieve discomfort, reduce acid reflux, and allow the stomach lining and esophagus time to heal from any damage. Doses are taken as tablets once, twice, or four times daily, depending on the condition being treated. In addition to prescription Pepcid, people can use an over-the-counter lower-strength version called Pepcid AC for minor stomach acid problems such as heartburn.
Find information about Pepcid AC here.
Pepcid overview
BRAND NAMES:
Pepcid
Generic Names:
Famotidine
Uses:
Treats ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid.
Therapeutic Classes:
H2 antagonist, gastric acid secretion inhibitor
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Pepcid used for?
Pepcid is used to treat gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis caused by GERD, and conditions that lead to excessive stomach acid secretion.
What form(s) does Pepcid come in
Tablet
20 mg
40 mg
What are common Pepcid doses?
For active ulcers in adults and children weighing more than 40 kg: 40 mg once daily (gastric or duodenal ulcers) or 20 mg twice per day (for duodenal ulcers only)
To reduce the risk of duodenal ulcers in adults: 20 mg once daily
For GERD in adults and children weighing more than 40 kg: 20 mg twice daily
For erosive esophagitis in adults and children weighing more than 40 kg: 20–40 mg twice daily
For pathological hypersecretory conditions in adults: 20–160 mg every six hours
Find more detailed information about famotidine dosage, forms, and strengths here.
Common Pepcid prescriptions
Pepcid
10 tablets bottlePepcid
30 tablets bottle
How to take Pepcid
Take Pepcid as directed by the prescriber.
Once-daily doses should be taken in the morning.
Twice-daily doses should be taken in the morning and at bedtime.
Doses can be taken with or without food. They can also be taken with an antacid.
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.
Store Pepcid tablets at room temperature in a closed and light-resistant container.
What to do if you miss a dose of Pepcid
Take a missed dose as soon as it’s remembered.
If it’s almost time for the next dose, take the next dose as scheduled.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Pepcid contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to famotidine or similar medicines called H2 blockers.
Pepcid warnings
Before taking Pepcid, tell the doctor about any medical conditions you have or have had especially kidney or liver disease.
Tell the doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
The prescriber may need to perform regular checkups to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Keep all appointments.
This medicine may cause serious problems, including:
Heart rhythm changes (including QT prolongation)
Liver problems
Nervous system disorders such as confusion, hallucinations, or seizures (especially in people with pre-existing kidney problems)
Muscle damage
Severe allergic or drug reactions
Call the prescriber if symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Pepcid interactions
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking Pepcid, particularly:
Atazanavir, cefditoren, dastainib, delavirdine, erlotinib, fosamprenavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, nilotinib, rilpivirine, tizanidine
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Pepcid side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Dark urine or pale stools, yellow eyes or skin
Slow heart rate, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Seizures
Agitation, confusion, hallucinations
Severe muscle pain, dark urine
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Headache
Diarrhea
Find more information about famotidine side effects here.
Sources:
Pepcid drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Pepcid famotidine tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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