Pepcid AC

Pepcid AC is commonly used to treat acid indigestion, heartburn, and sour stomach. Both over-the-counter and prescription strengths are available. The drug works by blocking specific histamine receptors, which reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. Pepcid AC may be taken once or twice a day, or just as needed. Possible side effects include headache, dizziness, and diarrhea.

 

What Is Pepcid AC?

Pepcid AC® (famotidine) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach in adults and children age 12 and up.
 

Who Makes Pepcid AC?

Pepcid AC is made by Johnson & Johnson. Generic Pepcid AC is made by several manufacturers.
 
(Click Pepcid Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses and uses for prescription-strength Pepcid.)
 

How Does Pepcid AC Work?

Pepcid AC is an "H2 blocker" that works by blocking a specific kind of histamine receptor. Histamine is a chemical released by that body that has several effects. In the stomach, it causes more acid to be produced. By blocking histamine in the stomach, Pepcid AC reduces the amount of acid produced. This is why Pepcid AC is known as an "acid reducer" or "acid controller."
 

When and How to Take Pepcid AC

General considerations for when and how to take Pepcid AC include the following:
 
 
  • Pepcid AC comes in tablet, gelcap, and chewable tablet form. It can be taken ahead of time to prevent heartburn or indigestion, or can be used to relieve symptoms when they start.
     
  • To prevent heartburn, take Pepcid AC 10 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking the foods that cause heartburn (up to twice a day).
     
  • For Pepcid AC to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information for Pepcid AC

There is just one dose of Pepcid AC that the manufacturer recommends. However, your healthcare provider may recommend a different dose, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
     
As with any medication, do not take more Pepcid AC than recommended unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Pepcid Dosage for more information about dosing for all forms of Pepcid, including Pepcid AC.)
 

Side Effects of Pepcid AC

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Pepcid AC. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Pepcid AC quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Based on studies of the prescription version of Pepcid AC, the most common side effects include:
 
(Click Pepcid Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by reading the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions With Pepcid AC

Pepcid AC can potentially interact with a few medicines (see Pepcid Drug Interactions).
 

Pepcid AC: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking Pepcid AC if you have:
 
  • Kidney problems, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any signs of bleeding in the digestive tract, such as blood in the stool, unusually dark stool, or vomiting up blood
  • Heartburn for over three months (as this may be a sign of a more serious condition)
  • Heartburn with lightheadedness, sweating, or dizziness
  • Chest pain, shoulder pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack
  • Wheezing, especially with heartburn
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you currently take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Pepcid Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take Pepcid AC.)
 

Alternatives to Pepcid AC

Pepcid AC is usually quite effective at treating GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), ulcers, or other digestive problems. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Pepcid AC. Examples of substitute medications include:
 
Other alternatives to Pepcid AC include dietary changes (see GERD Diet) and surgery (for more serious problems).
 
(Click Famotidine Alternatives to learn more about alternatives to Pepcid AC. Click Treatment Options for GERD for information on other ways of managing GERD.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Pepcid AC?

People who take too much Pepcid AC may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Vomiting
  • Restlessness
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
     
If you happen to overdose on Pepcid AC, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Famotidine Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Pepcid AC Be Stored?

Pepcid AC should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets and gelcaps should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep Pepcid AC and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Pepcid AC?

Many people do not take Pepcid AC on a regular schedule. However, for those who do take it on a daily basis, if you do not take your Pepcid AC as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose!
 

Strengths of Pepcid AC

Over-the-counter Pepcid AC is available in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Pepcid AC 10 mg tablets
  • Pepcid AC 10 mg gelcaps
  • Pepcid AC Maximum Strength 20 mg tablets
  • Maximum Strength Pepcid AC EZ Chew tablets (available in cool mint and berries 'n' cream flavors).

 

Generic Pepcid AC

Some (but not all) Pepcid AC products are available in generic form.
 
(Click Generic Pepcid for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;