Pepcid (Famotidine)

General information

Pepcid belongs to a class of medications called H2-antagonists. It is used to treat stomach and duodenal (intestinal) ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions where too much stomach acid is secreted, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It works by reducing the amount of acid secreted by the stomach.

Directions

Take Pepcid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual adult dose is 20 mg or 40 mg at bedtime to 20 mg or 40 mg twice daily, depending on the condition being treated. This medication can be taken with or without food. The dose for treatment of duodenal ulcer is 40 mg at bedtime for 4 to 8 weeks. The usual dose for treatment of benign stomach ulcer is 40 mg once a day at bedtime for 4 to 8 weeks. For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and similar conditions, the dose varies with the individual patient, but often starts with 20 mg every 6 hours. When used to relieve the symptoms of GERD or prevent GERD from returning, the usual dose is 20 mg twice daily. The maximum dose is 40 mg every 24 hours. Do not take it in this manner for more than 2 weeks.

Precautions

Before taking Pepcid you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, stomach cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach. Avoid taking cimetidine, ranitidine, or nizatidine. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. It is not recommended in children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications

Do not take this medication if you: are allergic to famotidine or any ingredients of the medication, to other acid-reducing agents (cimetidine, nizatidine, ranitidine). Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), hives, numbness, swelling of your face, lips, confusion, difficulty breathing, bleeding, seizure, fast heartbeat, hallucinations. Less serious Pepcid side effects may include: muscle cramps, nausea, dry mouth, headache, mood changes, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, constipation. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: ketoconazole, atazanavir, itraconazole, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (piroxicam, ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are stomach pain, fainting, nausea, diarrhea, fast heart rate.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.