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Home > Drug Category > Disorders of the Digestive Tract (IBS,Crohns Disease,Stomach) > Pepcid and Equivalent

Pepcid Information

Pepcid (Famotidine) is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Stomach and duodenal ulcers can cause abdominal pain, heartburn, indigestion, or nausea. The drug also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Pepcid also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Histamine-2 blockers like Famotidine decrease the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Pepcid Side Effects

The most common side effects of Pepcid may include constipation, dizziness, and headache. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Confusion;
• Fast heartbeat;
• Hallucinations;
• Seizure;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Pepcid Precautions

Do not use Pepcid if you are allergic to Famotidine or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have asthma, COPD, a history of long QT syndrome, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach cancer, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Pepcid and other medications, such as cefditoren, dasatinib, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, tizanidine, etc. Do not use Pepcid if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is not known whether Famotidine will harm an unborn baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug in pregnancy with your doctor. Do not use Pepcid while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. Famotidine passes into breast milk, and it may harm a nursing infant. Do not give this drug to children below 12 years without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Pepcid comes as a tablet. If you are using nonprescription famotidine for self-treatment of acid indigestion or heartburn, take one tablet by mouth with a glass of water as needed. To prevent heartburn, take one tablet by mouth with a glass of water 15-60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause heartburn. Do not use more than two tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor. Please do not take it for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor. If you take the prescription Pepcid, your dosage and length of treatment will depend on your medical condition and response to treatment. Take the drug by mouth with or without food. If you are taking the medicine once daily, take it right before bedtime. Most ulcers heal within 4 weeks of famotidine treatment, but it may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. Keep using the medication as directed. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with famotidine does not improve or if it gets worse. Pepcid is usually a part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely. Do not drink alcohol when using this drug. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of damage to your stomach. Avoid taking other stomach acid reducers unless your doctor has told you to. However, you may take an antacid with Famotidine. Store Pepcid at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Pepcid?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Pepcid.