What is Pepcid?

Pepcid is an oral pill made up of an H2 antagonist drug called famotidine. We carry the generic alternative of this mediation in 20mg and 40mg!

What is Pepcid used for?

Pepcid (famotidine) is used to treat and prevent ulcers located in the stomach and intestines. Stomach ulcers may occur when the protective mucus layer in the digestive tract has been reduced, which then allows stomach acid to create painful open sores (ulcers) that may bleed. Pepcid (famotidine) also treats conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Additionally, this medication can also treat conditions where the acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus which causes heartburn, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What does Pepcid do?

Pepcid (famotidine) is effective at treating these conditions because the histamine-2 blocker (H2 antagonist) agent is able to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Follow only the directions given to you by your doctor

You make take this medication with or without food, whatever is directed by your doctor.

If your treatment plan includes diet and/or lifestyle changes, ensure you are following that half of treatment as well as the medication part of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not use Pepcid (famotidine)

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to famotidine or other similar medications such as such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), or nizatidine (Axid).

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Before starting treatment, ensure you inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, stomach cancer, or long QT syndrome (personally affected or family history)

Risks

This medication should only be used by pregnant women if the medication is clearly needed. Speak with your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant.

Consult your doctor before breast feeding as this drug passes into breast milk and you will need to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Older adults may be more sensitive to this drug and its side effects.

Common side effects of Pepcid (famotidine) may include:

headache; dizziness; or constipation or diarrhea.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Pepcid (famotidine) may include:

confusion, hallucinations, agitation, lack of energy; a seizure; fast or pounding heartbeats, sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

allergic reaction: sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis), itchy, red, or watering eyes (conjunctivitis), wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, a raised itchy, red rash (hives) or swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face.

What are some drugs that may interact with Pepcid?

Some drugs that interact with Pepcid include cefditoren, dasatinib, delavirdine, and fosamprenavir.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Consult your doctor to learn more about which drugs will interact with famotidine (Pepcid).

Can children use this medication?

This medication may be used by children who are at least 12 years old but only if suggested by a doctor.

How should I store Pepcid?

Keep Pepcid from getting wet, hot, or exposed to sunlight. This medication should be kept at room temperature in an area out of reach of children and pets.

What is the recommended dose for an adult with stomach ulcers?

The recommended dose for an adult with a stomach ulcer is an initial dose of 40mg per day at bedtime or 20mg twice a day for 4 weeks. Commonly, the maintenance dose will be 20mg every 12 hours.