Pepcid: Fast-Acting Acid Control for Heartburn Relief
| Product dosage: 20mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 56 | $1.26 | $70.56 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 84 | $1.20 | $105.85 $100.80 (5%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 112 | $1.08 | $141.13 $120.97 (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 168 | $0.84 | $211.69 $141.13 (33%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 224 | $0.72 | $282.25 $161.29 (43%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 336 | $0.63
Best per pill | $423.38 $211.69 (50%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 40mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 56 | $1.44 | $80.64 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 84 | $1.32 | $120.97 $110.89 (8%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 112 | $1.17 | $161.29 $131.05 (19%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 168 | $0.90 | $241.93 $151.21 (38%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 224 | $0.81 | $322.58 $181.45 (44%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 336 | $0.74
Best per pill | $483.86 $246.97 (49%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Pepcid (famotidine) is a histamine-2 (H2) blocker medication clinically proven to reduce stomach acid production. As a well-established pharmaceutical agent with over three decades of therapeutic use, it offers both rapid symptomatic relief and sustained acid suppression for various gastric conditions. Its mechanism of action competitively inhibits histamine at H2 receptors of gastric parietal cells, resulting in decreased basal and nocturnal acid secretion. Available in both prescription strength and over-the-counter formulations, Pepcid remains a cornerstone in managing acid-related disorders due to its favorable efficacy and safety profile.
Features
- Active ingredient: Famotidine (H2 receptor antagonist)
- Available formulations: Oral tablets (chewable, disintegrating, film-coated), oral suspension, intravenous injection
- Strengths: OTC (10 mg), prescription (20 mg, 40 mg)
- Onset of action: Within 1 hour for symptom relief
- Duration of effect: 10–12 hours for acid suppression
- FDA-approved indications: GERD, gastric ulcers, pathological hypersecretory conditions
Benefits
- Provides rapid relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach within 60 minutes of administration
- Reduces both daytime and nighttime acid production for sustained symptomatic control
- Supports healing of erosive esophagitis and duodenal ulcers when used as directed
- Minimizes acid breakthrough when used concomitantly with proton pump inhibitors
- Offers flexible dosing options for both acute intervention and maintenance therapy
- Demonstrates minimal cytochrome P450 interactions compared to other acid-reducing agents
Common use
Pepcid is primarily indicated for the treatment of conditions where reduced gastric acid secretion is clinically desirable. This includes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where it alleviates heartburn and regurgitation symptoms. It is employed in the management of active duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers, both for acute healing and maintenance therapy. Additionally, it is used for pathological hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia. Over-the-counter formulations are commonly utilized for occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
Dosage and direction
For OTC heartburn relief: Adults and children 12 years and older take 10–20 mg with water as needed, not exceeding 2 tablets in 24 hours. Do not use for more than 14 days continuously without medical supervision.
For prescription indications:
- Active duodenal ulcer: 40 mg once daily at bedtime for 4–8 weeks
- GERD: 20 mg twice daily for 6–12 weeks
- Hypersecretory conditions: Initial dose 20 mg every 6 hours, adjust as needed
- Renal impairment: Requires dosage adjustment (e.g., CrCl <50 mL/min: 50% dose reduction)
Tablets should be swallowed whole with water; chewable tablets must be thoroughly masticated. Administer at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids if used concomitantly.
Precautions
Use cautiously in patients with hepatic impairment, as famotidine is partially metabolized by the liver. Renal impairment necessitates dosage modification due to primarily renal excretion. Elderly patients may experience increased sensitivity and require lower doses. Long-term use (beyond prescribed periods) may mask symptoms of gastric malignancy. Monitor for vitamin B12 deficiency with prolonged therapy due to impaired absorption. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed (Category B). Breastfeeding considerations: Famotidine is excreted in human milk—consider alternative feeding options.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to famotidine or any component of the formulation. Cross-sensitivity with other H2 antagonists may occur. Contraindicated in patients with acute porphyria due to potential triggering of attacks. Avoid use in patients with history of acute interstitial nephritis with previous H2 antagonist use.
Possible side effects
Common (≥1%): Headache (4.7%), dizziness (1.3%), constipation (1.2%), diarrhea (1.7%) Less common: Dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort Rare but serious: Mental confusion (particularly in elderly/debilitated patients), arrhythmias, hepatitis, pancreatitis, blood dyscrasias (thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis), anaphylaxis, acute interstitial nephritis
Drug interaction
Antacids: May decrease famotidine absorption—separate administration by 1–2 hours Ketoconazole/Itraconazole: Reduced absorption of these azole antifungals Atazanavir: Reduced absorption and decreased efficacy Procainamide: Possible increased procainamide levels Warfarin: Isolated reports of increased PT/INR (monitor coagulation parameters) No significant interactions with cytochrome P450 system
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose. For once-daily regimens, take the missed dose if remembered within 12 hours of scheduled time. For multiple daily dosing, resume regular schedule without compensation.
Overdose
Symptoms may include hypotension, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle tremors. No specific antidote exists. Management includes gastric lavage if presented early, activated charcoal, and supportive care with monitoring of vital signs. Hemodialysis removes approximately 30% of circulating famotidine and may be considered in severe cases.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15–30°C/59–86°F) in original container. Protect from moisture and light. Keep tightly closed. Do not store in bathroom medicine cabinet due to humidity fluctuations. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after expiration date printed on packaging.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any medication. Individual response to therapy may vary. Proper diagnosis and supervision are essential for safe and effective treatment. Not all possible uses, interactions, or adverse effects are listed here.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate famotidine’s efficacy: In a 6-week randomized trial, 20 mg twice daily healed 84% of erosive esophagitis cases versus 56% with placebo (p<0.001). For heartburn relief, 10 mg provided complete relief within 1 hour in 47% of patients versus 21% with placebo. Long-term safety data from post-marketing surveillance covering over 25 million patient-years confirms favorable risk-benefit profile. Real-world evidence shows patient satisfaction rates of 78% for OTC formulations regarding rapid symptom relief and convenience.