Pepcid

Common Name: famotidine

How does Pepcid work?

Famotidine belongs to a class of medications called H2-antagonists. It is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophogeal 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. Famotidine is also used to prevent ulcers in certain circumstances. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Pepcid?

Tablets: The usual dose of famotidine tablets ranges from 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. Seniors and those with decreased kidney function may require lower doses or longer intervals between doses. The dose of famotidine for treatment of duodenal ulcer is 40 mg at bedtime for 4 to 8 weeks, or less if healing occurs. Therapy is often continued after healing of the ulcer at a dose of 20 mg once daily for up to 6 to 12 months. The usual dose for treatment of benign gastric ulcer is 40 mg once a day at bedtime for 4 to 8 weeks, or less if healing occurs. 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. When used to treat esophageal damage related to GERD, the usual dose is 40 mg twice daily. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses. Injection: The usual dose of famotidine injection is 20 mg every 12 hours given intravenously (into a vein).

What form(s) does Pepcid come in?

Pepcid® is available in oral tablet strength of 20 mg and 40 mg. It is also available in an injectable (intravenous or I.V.) form. Tablets: 20 mg: Each beige, D-shaped, film-coated tablet, coded "963", contains famotidine 20 mg. 40 mg: Each light brownish orange, D-shaped, film-coated tablet, coded "964", contains famotidine 40 mg. Pepcid 40 mg does not contain gluten or tartrazine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, red ferric oxide, starch pregelatinized, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow ferric oxide. Injection: Each mL of clear, colorless solution for intravenous injection contains famotidine 10 mg. Also contains L-aspartic acid 4 mg, mannitol 20 mg, and water for injection. The multidose injection also contains benzyl alcohol 0.9% added as preservative. Supplied as nonpreserved single dose vials of 2 mL and preserved multiple dose vials of 4 mL.

What should I NOT take with Pepcid?

Famotidine should not be used by people who are allergic to any of the ingredients of the products or to other acid reducing agents known as H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, cimetidine, nizatidine).

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Pepcid?

Kidney disease: Famotidine is eliminated from the body mostly by the kidney. It should be used with caution by people with moderate or severe kidney disease. Lower doses or longer intervals between doses may be needed. Pregnancy: The safety of this medication for use during pregnancy has not been established. If it is considered necessary, the potential benefits must be weighed against any possible risks. Breast-feeding: Famotidine passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should either stop the medication or stop nursing. Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children. Seniors: Because seniors may be more likely to have decreased kidney function, they should have their kidney function checked. If they have moderate or severe decreases in kidney function, famotidine should be used with caution. Lower doses or longer intervals between doses may be needed.