Pepcid and its uses

Pepcid is the brand name of a medication, which is a combination of a few ingredients. A single pill contains 10mg H2-blocker Famotidine (the active ingredient), magnesium hydroxide, antacids calcium carbonate, and other inactive ingredients as well.

Pepcid is used in treatments of occasional or recurrent heartburn and it could be used to relief heartburn, caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), where the stomach acid flows back to the esophagus.

Since Famotidine inhibits the stomach acid production, it is often used in treatments of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and is preferred over other medications as it does not affect the cytochrome P450 enzyme system and does not interact with other drugs.

The medication could be used in prevention of heartburn too, in which case, a pill is taken 15 to 60 minutes before a meal, likely to cause heartburn. It is often used in combination with other drugs in other cases such as treatments and prevention of urticaria, caused by allergic reactions and prevention of peptic ulcer.

The brand name Pepcid is sold in Pepcid Complete, Pepcid Original Strength, and Pepcid Maximum strength, where Pepcid Complete is the formulation, which offers the fastest relief and all day protection.

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Famotidine or any of the inactive ingredients.

Pepcid should not be used with other acid reducers and if you have trouble swallowing food, you have bloody or black stools, or you are vomiting blood, you should see your doctor before taking Pepcid as these symptoms could indicate more serious health conditions.

If you have had heartburn for more than three months, the heartburn is accompanied by sweating, dizziness, and lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you should consult your doctor before taking the medication.

Unexplained weight loss, vomiting, wheezing, stomach pain, and nausea should also be looked into before taking Pepcid.

Take the pills exactly as your doctor has directed, do not take more than two tablets in a 24-hour period, and inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Speak to your doctor if the heartburn continues or worsens, and if you have to take the medication for more than two weeks. In order to be safe, keep the pills in their original container, store the medication at store at 20°-30°C (68°-86°F), protect from moisture, and read the warnings and directions before use.

Side Effects

Pepcid is well tolerated by the majority of the patients. If you experience some of the following side effects, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical help at once:

- Pounding heartbeat
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Jaundice (yellowish pigmentation of the skin and eyes)
- Numbness

Pepcid could cause other, less serious side effects such as headache, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, mood changes, weakness, joint pain, and muscle cramps.

For the full list of the possible side effects, refer to the patient's leaflet that comes with the medication.