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:
- Duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the first part of the intestine after the stomach) -- Pepcid can be used to treat a duodenal ulcer and also to prevent ulcers from coming back.
- Gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers) -- Pepcid is approved to treat benign (noncancerous) gastric ulcers.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- Pepcid can be used to treat GERD, helping to relieve heartburn and heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD.
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions -- Pepcid helps to treat these conditions (which occur when too much stomach acid is produced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Over-the-counter Pepcid AC and Pepcid Complete are approved to treat the following conditions:
- Heartburn
- Acid indigestion
- Sour stomach.
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.
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 Pepcid is known as an "acid reducer."
Several studies have been conducted on how well Pepcid treats several conditions, including:
- Ulcers
- GERD and esophagitis
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions.
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 Pepcid had their duodenal ulcer heal within four weeks. Studies have also shown that Pepcid 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 Pepcid 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 Pepcid for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In these studies, up to 82 percent of people taking Pepcid had moderate or excellent improvement in their GERD symptoms, compared to 62 percent in people not taking Pepcid. In these studies, Pepcid also helped to heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD.
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
Pepcid 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 Pepcid is effective at decreasing stomach acid production and relieving symptoms.
When and How to Take Pepcid
Following are some general considerations for when and how to take Pepcid:
- Pepcid comes in tablet form. Depending on the condition, it is usually taken by mouth one or two times a day.
- For people who have difficulty swallowing capsules or tablets, prescription Pepcid also comes in a suspension (liquid) form. Make sure to shake the suspension well before each dose.
- Pepcid can be taken with or without food. If you are using over-the-counter Pepcid AC to prevent heartburn, you should take it 10 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking the foods that cause heartburn (up to twice a day).
- If you take Pepcid on a regular basis (not just when you need it), it should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood. If you take Pepcid just once a day, it is usually best to take it in the evening or before bedtime.
- For Pepcid to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Pepcid
The dose of Pepcid that your healthcare provider recommends can vary 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 adjust your Pepcid dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Pepcid. However, not everyone who takes Pepcid will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Pepcid 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 of Pepcid, 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.)
Drug Interactions With Pepcid
Pepcid: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking Pepcid if you have:
- Kidney problems, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
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.
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 to Pepcid can include dietary changes
(see GERD Diet) and surgery (for more serious problems).
What If I Take an Overdose of Pepcid?
People who take too much Pepcid may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
If you happen to overdose on Pepcid, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Pepcid Be Stored?
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.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Pepcid?
If you do not take your Pepcid 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:
- Pepcid AC 10 mg tablets
- Pepcid AC 10 mg gelcaps
- Maximum Strength Pepcid® AC 20 mg tablets
- Maximum Strength Pepcid AC EZ Chews 20 mg chewable tablets (available in cool mint and berries 'n' cream flavors).
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 two flavors (cool mint and berry blend).
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.
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