Generic name:  famotidine  [ fam-OH-ti-deen ]
Drug class:  H2 antagonists

What is Pepcid?

Pepcid is a histamine-2 blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Pepcid is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as  Zollinger-Ellison syndrome .

Pepcid also treats  gastroesophageal reflux disease  ( GERD ) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing  heartburn .

Warnings

Before taking Pepcid, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a history of Long QT syndrome, stomach cancer or other problems, or asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems.Pepcid may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.

Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.

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

Before taking this medicine

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a  heart attack . Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

To make sure Pepcid is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease ;
• cancer stomach; or
• long QT syndrome  (in you or a family member).

Ask a doctor before using Pepcid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take Pepcid?

Use Pepcid exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Most ulcers heal within 4 weeks of famotidine treatment, but it may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. Keep using the medication as directed.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with famotidine does not improve, or if it gets worse.

Pepcid may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

Throw away any unused liquid that is older than 30 days.

Detailed Pepcid dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of damage to your stomach.

Avoid taking other stomach acid reducers unless your doctor has told you to. However, you may take an antacid (such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gaviscon,  Milk of Magnesia ,  Rolaids , or Tums) with famotidine.

Pepcid side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Pepcid:  hives ; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• 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.

Some side effects may be more likely in older adults and in people who have severe kidney disease.

Common Pepcid side effects may include:

• headache ;
• dizziness; or
• constipation  or  diarrhea .

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pepcid side effects  (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Pepcid?

Famotidine can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking:

• cefditoren ;
• dasatinib ;
• delavirdine ;
• fosamprenavir ; or
• tizanidine (if you are taking famotidine liquid).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with famotidine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines,  vitamins , and  herbal products . Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Pepcid drug interactions  (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Is it better to take famotidine in the morning or at night?

In general, you can take over-the-counter (OTC) famotidine (Pepcid AC, Zantac 360) at any time of the day or night to help treat heartburn symptoms. Studies have shown it is best to take OTC famotidine 1 hour before an evening meal to help prevent heartburn and indigestion in the evening and during bedtime which may interfere with your sleep. Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or ongoing after 14 days.

How much famotidine can I take in one day?

The maximum daily dose of over-the-counter (OTC) famotidine (Pepcid AC, Zantac 360) in adults and children over 12 years of age is 40 mg per day unless your doctor prescribes it otherwise. If your symptoms persist more than 2 weeks, contact your doctor. Higher doses may be used for other conditions such as erosive esophagitis or Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

source :: https://www.drugs.com/pepcid.html