Pepcid

Generic name: Famotidine

What is Pepcid?

Pepcid is in a class of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists. Pepcid works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces. Pepcid is prescribed for the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer (in the upper intestine) for 4 to 8 weeks and for active, benign gastric ulcer (in the stomach) for 6 to 8 weeks. It is prescribed for maintenance therapy, at reduced dosage, after a duodenal ulcer has healed.

Pepcid is also used for short-term treatment of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition in which the acid contents of the stomach flow back into the food canal (esophagus), and for resulting inflammation of the esophagus. It is also prescribed for certain diseases that cause the stomach to produce excessive quantities of acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

What is the most important information I should know about Pepcid?

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.

Pepcid may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Notify your doctor if you have any symptoms of a bleeding ulcer, such as black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking Pepcid. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of Pepcid.

You can help avoid heartburn and acid indigestion by: not lying down soon after eating, keeping your weight down; if you smoke, quitting or at least cutting down; not eating just before bedtime.

Avoiding or limiting caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods, and alcohol

Who should not take Pepcid?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Pepcid, or a comparable H₂ blocker such as cimetidine, ranitidine, or nizatidine, you should not take Pepcid.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Pepcid?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Pepcid. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver disease, trouble or pain swallowing food, vomiting with blood, bloody or black stools. In addition, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, expect to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Pepcid for Oral Suspension may be substituted for Pepcid Tablets in any of the below indications. Each five mL of the suspension contains 40 mg of famotidine after constitution of the powder with 46 mL of Purified Water.

Adults: Benign Gastric Ulcer The usual dose is 40 milligrams (mg) or 5 milliliters (ml) (1 teaspoonful) once a day at bedtime.

Duodenal Ulcer Adults: The usual starting dose is 40 mg or 5 ml once a day at bedtime. You should see results within 4 weeks, and Pepcid should not be used at full dosage longer than 6 to 8 weeks. Your doctor may have you take 20 mg or 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoonful) twice a day. The normal maintenance dose after your ulcer has healed is 20 mg or 2.5 ml (half a teaspoonful) once a day at bedtime.

Excess Acid Conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) Adults: The usual starting dose is 20 mg every 6 hours, although some people need a higher dose. Doses of up to 160 mg every 6 hours have been given in severe cases.

If your kidneys are not functioning properly, your doctor will adjust the dosage.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Adults: The usual dose is 20 mg or 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoonful) twice a day for up to 6 weeks. For inflammation of the esophagus due to GERD, the dose is 20 or 40 mg or 2.5 to 5 ml twice a day for up to 12 weeks.

Children 1 to 16 years old: The usual daily dose is 1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided and given in 2 smaller doses. Do not exceed 40 mg daily.

If your child's kidneys are not functioning properly, your doctor will adjust the dosage.

Infants under 12 months old: The usual starting dose of the oral suspension is 0.5 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight once a day for infants under 3 months of age, and twice a day for infants 3 to 11 months of age. The dosage can be given for up to 8 weeks. Your doctor may also recommend additional measures to relieve the symptoms, such as thickening the child's food.

If your infant's kidneys are not functioning properly, your doctor will adjust the dosage.

Peptic Ulcer Children 1 to 16 years old: The usual daily dose is 0.5 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight. The entire dose may be given at bedtime, or divided and given in 2 smaller doses. Do not give more than 40 mg per day.

If your child's kidneys are not functioning properly, your doctor will adjust the dosage.

How should I take Pepcid?

Take Pepcid by mouth with or without food. It may take several days for Pepcid to begin relieving stomach pain. You can use antacids for the pain at the same time you take Pepcid.

If you are taking Pepcid suspension, prepare the suspension at the time you are going to take it. Slowly add 46mL of purified water and shake vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds immediately after adding the water and immediately before use. Any unused oral suspension that has been prepared should be discarded after 30 days.

Take Pepcid AC with water. To prevent symptoms, take it 1 hour before a meal you expect will cause you trouble.

What should I avoid while taking Pepcid?

Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking Pepcid. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of Pepcid.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Pepcid for it can potentially cause dizziness.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Pepcid?

If Pepcid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pepcid with the following: antacids, itraconazole, and ketoconazole.

What are the possible side effects of Pepcid?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: Headache, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness

Can I receive Pepcid if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Pepcid during pregnancy are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Pepcid may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Pepcid is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Pepcid is finished.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Pepcid?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

How should I store Pepcid?

Store Pepcid at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Pepcid for oral suspension should be protected from freezing. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Pepcid out of the reach of children.