Heartburn/GERD and Famotidine

Trade names: Heartburn Relief, Leader Acid Reducer, Pepcid AC

Famotidine works by reducing the acid production in the stomach. It relieves heartburn that occurs with acid indigestion. Famotidine is used to treat GERD, ulcers in the stomach and intestine, and conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid. This medication is available as gelcaps, tablets, chewable tablets and oral suspension.

Read more details about Famotidine.

Famotidine should be used exactly as directed on the label, or as instructed by your doctor. It should not be taken in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. The usual dosage for heartburn related to GERD is 10-20 mg daily.

Famotidine may be taken with or without food. When taking the chewable form, you should chew the tablet thoroughly and use as directed.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you need Pepcid® AC for more than 14 days in a row, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.

• Diarrhea.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

1. http://www.drugs.com/famotidine.html
2. http://www.drugs.com/ranitidine.html
3. http://www.pepcid.com/page.jhtml?id=pepcid/relief/relief_2.inc