Pepcid (Famotidine)

Pepcid blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells, and reduces stomach acid production. Pepcid is useful in promoting the healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers and in reducing ulcer pain. Pepcid has been effective in preventing recurrence of ulcers when given in low doses for prolonged periods of time. Pepcid also is used for treating heartburn and in healing ulceration and inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) resulting from acid (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD). High doses are used for treating conditions in which there are marked increases in acid secretion such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

The recommended adult oral dose for treating duodenal ulcers is 40 mg once daily at bedtime or 20 mg twice daily. Most patients heal their ulcers within 4 weeks. The regimen for maintenance therapy after the ulcers are healed is 20 mg once a day at bedtime. The recommended adult oral dose for treating gastric ulcer is 40 mg once a day at bedtime, and esophagitis is treated with 20-40 mg twice daily for 6-12 weeks. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is treated with 20 mg every 6 hours. Heartburn due to GERD is treated with 10-20 mg daily.

Histamine is a chemical made by the body that stimulates cells lining the stomach to produce acid. Pepcid belongs to a class of medications called H2-blockers that blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells, thus reducing production of acid by the stomach. Other H2 blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and nizatidine (Axid). Pepcid was approved by the FDA in November, 1986.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Tablets and suspension should be stored at room temperature, 15 -30°C (59-86°F). Injection should be stored between 2-8°C (36-46°F).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heartburn combined with lightheadedness or sweating or dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain especially with shortness of breath, pain spreading to arms or neck or shoulders, unexplained weight loss, liver or kidney problems, alcohol usage, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), any allergies (including drug allergies). Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously. Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Pepcid is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Side effects of Pepcid are rare. Minor side effects include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Major side effects include agitation, anemia, confusion, depression, easy bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, hair loss, irregular heartbeat, rash, visual changes, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

For best results, this medication is often used along with lifestyle changes such as stress-reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes. Talk to your health care professional about lifestyle changes you can benefit from. Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor results and prevent side effects.