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EspañolPepcid overview
BRAND NAMES:
Pepcid AC, Quality Choice Acid Controller, Sunmark Acid Reducer, TopCare Acid Reducer, TopCare Acid Reducer, Pepcid, Acid Reducer, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Acid Reducer, Good Sense Acid Reducer, Heartburn Relief, Leader Acid Reducer, Acid Controller
Generic Names:
Famotidine
Uses:
Treats ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid. Also treats heartburn caused by acid indigestion.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antiulcer, Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitor, Gastrointestinal Agent
Forms:
Liquid, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Dissolving Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Pepcid used for?
Pepcid is used to treat heartburn associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and duodenal ulcer. It is also used to treat other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Pepcid works by decreasing the amount of acid secreted by the stomach. It is indicated for patients 1 year and older. This medication is available as an injection.
What form(s) does Pepcid come in
Liquid
Tablet
Chewable Tablet
Dissolving Tablet
What are common Pepcid doses?
Tablet 20MG
Tablet 40MG
Common Pepcid prescriptions
Pepcid
10 tablets bottlePepcid
30 tablets bottle
How to take Pepcid
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it.
If you are using the disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle it. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. It should melt within 2 minutes. Swallow after the tablet has melted.
Shake the oral liquid for 5 to 10 seconds before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 1 month.
If you are using the disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle it. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. It should melt within 2 minutes. Swallow after the tablet has melted.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
Shake the oral liquid for 5 to 10 seconds before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 1 month.
What to do if you miss a dose of Pepcid
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Throw away any unused oral liquid that is more than 1 month old.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Pepcid contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to famotidine or similar medicines.
Pepcid warnings
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Some brands or forms of this medicine may contain phenylalanine (aspartame). If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach cancer.
This medicine may cause changes in your heart rhythm (including QT prolongation).
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
Pepcid interactions
Some medicines can affect how famotidine works. Tell your doctor if you are using cefditoren, dasatinib, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, or tizanidine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). If you have this condition, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Pepcid side effects
Serious Side Effects
Dark urine or pale stools, yellow eyes or skin
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Agitation, confusion, seizures
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
Less Serious Side Effects
Headache
Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach
Nausea, vomiting