Pepcid (Famotidine) is used to treat ulcers in the stomach or intestines. Pepcid is also used to treat heartburn and erosive esophagitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus. Pepcid may also be used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Pepcid belongs to a class of medications called histamine-2 blockers, and works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. By reducing the acid, Pepcid helps to reduce the pain of stomach and intestinal ulcers and heartburn, and assists in the healing of ulcers and damage caused by GERD. Pepcid may be only a part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits.
Manufacturer Information
Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Pepcid Complete Mint chewable tablets OTC from Canada by Johnson & Johnson. The generic Famotidine requires a prescription and comes from India also called Facid manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals and from Canada by a different manufacturer. The brand Pepcid is available in the strength of 10 mg/800 mg/165 mg chewable tablets. The generic Famotidine is available in the strength of 20 mg and 40 mg tablets.
Common side effects of Pepcid may include headache, dizziness, constipation, or diarrhea.
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious side effects such as:
• A seizure;
• Confusion, hallucinations, agitation, lack of energy;
• Fast or pounding heartbeats, sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark coloured urine
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you notice any other side effects not listed here, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
You should not use Pepcid if you are allergic to famotidine, or similar medications such as ranitidine, cimetidine, or nizatidine. To make sure Pepcid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, a history of long QT syndrome (in you or a family member), stomach cancer or other stomach problems, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing problems. It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medication will pass into breast milk, or if it will harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach. Avoid taking other stomach acid reducers unless your doctor has told you to. However, you may take an antacid with famotidine. Do not use this medication in a child without the advice of your doctor. Pepcid can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth, especially cefditoren, dasatinib, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, and tizanidine. Other medications may interact and cause unwanted side effects, including atazanavir, neratinib, ozanimod, pazopanib, Rilpivirine, selpercatinib, and siponimod. This is not a complete list of interactions, and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of any possible interactions.
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