Pepcid

The active ingredient in Pepcid is famotidine and this medication works by reducing or lowering the amount of acid in the stomach produced by certain cells in the stomach lining as well as providing heartburn relief from acid indigestion and erosive esophagitis.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Pepcid. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Pepcid:

• You may take this medication with or without food and should be taken with a glass of water.
• Carefully measure liquid medicine. Use the accompanying dosage syringe or medical dose-measuring equipment.
• Most ulcers heal after 4 weeks of taking Pepcid, but it may take up to 8 weeks.
• Call your healthcare provider if the disease you're treating with Pepcid doesn't improve or worsen.
• Pepcid may be used as part of a comprehensive therapy plan that includes dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Follow all advice from your doctor or nutritionist.

The most common side effects of Pepcid include:

• Headache or lightheadedness.
• Constipation or diarrhea.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Pepcid. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious allergic reaction with symptoms such as hives, swelling of the tongue, face, or throat, and trouble breathing.
• Brain-related side effects such as confusion, delirium, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), agitation, seizures, and weakness.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Pepcid. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Pepcid, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Kidney disease or liver disease, a history of long QT syndrome, stomach cancer or other disorders, or asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems, consult your doctor before taking Pepcid.
• Pepcid may be used as part of a comprehensive therapy plan that includes dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Follow your doctor's instructions closely.
• Heartburn is frequently confused with the initial signs of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical assistance if you have chest pain or a heavy feeling, pain extending to your arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, or a general sick feeling.
• If you are allergic to famotidine or related medications like ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), or nizatidine (Axid), you should not take Pepcid.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of them apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional because Pepcid AC or famotidine will not be safe for you to consume.

• Severe allergy to another histamine-2 (H2) antagonist, famotidine, or any inactive ingredients in the product.

Pepcid (Famotidine) takes about 15 to 30 minutes to work after taking it orally. For the full effect of the medication, it usually takes 1 to 3 hours.

When Pepcid is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Bepridil
• Cisapride
• Dasatinib
• Dofetilide
• Dronedarone
• Mesoridazine
• Pimozide
• Piperaquine
• Saquinavir
• Sparfloxacin
• Terfenadine
• Thioridazine
• Ziprasidone
• Other stomach acid reducers should be avoided unless prescribed by your doctor. Pepcid can be taken with an antacid (such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Milk of Magnesia, Rolaids, or Tums).

This list is not a complete list of drug interactions. Pepcid (famotidine) may interact with other pharmaceuticals, such as prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all potential medication interactions are included here.

OTC (over-the-counter) Pepcid is available in 10 mg and 20 mg pills.

Adults and children aged 12 years or older

Prevent heartburn: The normal dose is to take 10 mg to 20 mg orally 10 to 60 minutes before consuming foods or liquids that may cause heartburn. The maximum daily dose of Pepcid is 20 to 40 mg.

Treat heartburn: When you get heartburn symptoms, take 10 mg to 20 mg by mouth. The maximum daily dose of Pepcid is 20 to 40 mg.

For children less than 12 years old, consult your child's healthcare provider.

Prescription famotidine comes in 20 mg and 40 mg tablets, as well as a liquid suspension.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light, and out of the reach of children. Do not let the liquid medicine freeze and be sure to throw away any unused liquid that is more than 30 days old.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Pepcid is McNeil Pharmaceuticals.

There are many lower-cost generics available of Pepcid with the ingredient of famotidine.

There are no specifics to stopping the medication, however, do not stop taking Pepcid without talking to your healthcare provider first so that they can figure out what the best option is for you.

According to the existing data on human pregnancy, there is no apparent link between famotidine and birth abnormalities or pregnancy-related issues, such as early labor. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Pepcid AC (famotidine) is typically regarded as safe for nursing. While some medicine does pass into breastmilk, the amount is small and unlikely to damage your infant. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.