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Medications
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Pepcid
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Pepcid® (famotidine) is a medication that is available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. It is used to treat several conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Pepcid is part of a class of drugs known as H2 blockers.
Pepcid is also available in the following over-the-counter forms:
Prescription Pepcid is made by Merck and Company, while over-the-counter Pepcid AC and Pepcid Complete are made by Johnson & Johnson. Generic Pepcid is made by several manufacturers.
Some uses of prescription Pepcid include:
Over-the-counter Pepcid AC and Pepcid Complete are approved to treat the following conditions:
Over-the-counter Pepcid AC and Pepcid Complete can be used to treat these problems once they have started. Also, Pepcid AC can be used to prevent these problems if taken before eating or drinking foods that cause heartburn.
(Click Pepcid Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Pepcid 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, histamine causes more acid to be produced. By blocking histamine in the stomach, Pepcid reduces the amount of acid produced. This is why the drug is known as an "acid reducer."
Several studies have been conducted on how well the drug treats several conditions, including:
Ulcers
In one study of Pepcid for the treatment of duodenal ulcers (upper intestinal ulcers), ulcers were healed in 70 percent of people who took Pepcid after four weeks of treatment. Only 31 percent of people who were not taking it had their duodenal ulcer heal within four weeks. Studies have also shown that it can prevent duodenal ulcers from returning.
In studies looking at the use of Pepcid to treat gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers), up to 80 percent of people taking it experienced healing of stomach ulcers within eight weeks. Ulcers healed in 54 percent of people who were not on Pepcid.
GERD and Esophagitis
Studies have also looked at using the drug for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In these studies, up to 82 percent of people taking it had moderate or excellent improvement in their GERD symptoms, compared to 62 percent in people not taking it. In these studies, Pepcid also helped to heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD.
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
The drug has been studied in people with a number of pathological hypersecretory conditions (which occur when too much stomach acid is produced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. These studies showed that it is effective at decreasing stomach acid production and relieving symptoms.
Following are some general considerations for when and how to take this medication:
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Pepcid Dosage for more information.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it 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.
Some of the most common side effects of Pepcid include:
(Click Pepcid Side Effects to learn about specific side effects, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking Famotidine Sexual Side Effects.)
Pepcid can potentially interact with a few other medicines (see Pepcid Drug Interactions).
You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
You should also tell your healthcare provider about all of 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 the drug.)
Pepcid is quite effective at treating GERD, ulcers, and other digestive problems. It is also generally well-tolerated. However, it is possible that Pepcid side effects will occur or that the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Pepcid. Some examples of substitute medications include:
Other alternatives can include dietary changes (see GERD Diet) and surgery (for more serious problems).
(Click Famotidine Alternatives to learn more about alternatives to this medication. Click Treatment Options for GERD to learn other ways of managing this condition.)
People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
(Click Famotidine Overdose for more information.)
All forms of Pepcid (including liquid Pepcid suspension) should be stored at room temperature away from moisture or heat. The medication should be kept in an airtight container. Pepcid suspension is good for 30 days once it is mixed by your pharmacist. After 30 days, it should not be used and should be thrown away.
Keep Pepcid and all other medications out of the reach of children.
If you do not take your dose 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!
Prescription Pepcid is available in the following strengths:
Over-the-counter Pepcid is available in the following strengths and forms:
Over-the-counter Pepcid Complete chewable tablets (a combination of Pepcid with two antacids) is available in one strength (800 mg calcium carbonate/10 mg Pepcid/165 mg magnesium hydroxide) and three flavors (tropical fruit, cool mint, and berry).
Pepcid is also available in an injectable form for use in hospitals.
Many (but not all) forms of Pepcid and Pepcid AC are available in generic form.
(Click Generic Pepcid for more information.)
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