Pepcid

Pepcid

     * Generic Name: famotidine
     * Brand Name: Pepcid


     * What is famotidine?
     * What are the possible side effects of famotidine?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       famotidine?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       famotidine?
     * How should I take famotidine?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking famotidine?
     * What other drugs will affect famotidine?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is famotidine?

   Famotidine a histamine-2 blockers. Famotidine works by
   decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

   Famotidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and
   intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too
   much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Famotidine also
   treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other
   conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the
   esophagus, causing heartburn.

   Famotidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of famotidine?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Stop using famotidine and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * fast or pounding heartbeats with severe dizziness; or
     * unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially
       if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

   Common side effects may include:
     * headache;
     * dizziness; or
     * constipation or diarrhea.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about famotidine?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.

   Pepcid Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Heartburn:Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid

   Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the GERD Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking famotidine?

   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 your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating,
   and a general ill feeling.

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or
   similar medicines such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine
   (Tagamet), or nizatidine (Axid).

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use famotidine if
   you have other medical conditions, especially:
     * kidney disease;
     * liver disease;
     * cancer stomach; or
     * a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

   FDA pregnancy category B. Famotidine is not expected to harm an unborn
   baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are
   pregnant.

   Famotidine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take famotidine?

   Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
   Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   Although most ulcers heal within 4 weeks of famotidine treatment, it
   may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals.
   For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your
   doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.

   Famotidine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that
   also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow your
   doctor's instructions very closely.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not
   allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

   Throw away any unused famotidine liquid that is older than 30 days.

   Pepcid Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Heartburn:Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid

   Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the GERD Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking famotidine?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your
   stomach.

   Avoid taking cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), or nizatidine
   (Axid) while you are taking famotidine, unless your doctor has told you
   to.

   This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
   you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect famotidine?

   Other drugs may interact with famotidine, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about famotidine.
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