This medication works by lowering acid production in the stomach. Pepcid AC is in a drug class known as histamine H2-receptor antagonists, H2 receptor antagonists, or H2 blockers. Show
Original Strength Pepcid AC is available as a tablet that contains 10 milligrams (mg) of famotidine. The drug is also available as Maximum Strength Pepcid AC, containing 20 milligrams of famotidine per tablet. Pepcid also comes in prescription form as 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams of famotidine. Prescription Pepcid has some additional indications, but this article will focus on OTC Pepcid AC. Drug FactsGeneric Name: Famotidine Brand Name(s): Pepcid AC, Pepcid, Heartburn Relief Administration Route(s): Oral Drug Availability: Over the counter (OTC) or prescription Therapeutic Classification: Histamine H2 antagonist Available Generically: Yes Controlled Substance: N/A Active Ingredient: Famotidine Dosage Form(s): Tablet, powder for suspension What Is Pepcid AC Used For?OTC Pepcid AC prevents or relieves heartburn caused by acid indigestion and sour stomach from eating or drinking certain foods and beverages. The prescription form of Pepcid is approved to treat adults and children 40 kilograms and above with:
It can also be used, with a prescription from a healthcare provider, to treat pathological hypersecretory conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) and reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence.  Verywell / Zoe Hansen How to Take Pepcid ACBefore taking Pepcid AC, read the directions on the package. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Pepcid AC can be used by adults and children 12 years and older. When taking Pepcid AC to relieve symptoms, swallow the tablet whole (do not chew) with a glass of water. If you are taking Pepcid AC to prevent symptoms, swallow the tablet whole (do not chew) with a glass of water between 15 and 60 minutes before eating food or drinking a beverage that causes symptoms. Do not use more than two tablets in 24 hours. If you are taking prescription Pepcid, take your dose once daily before bedtime or twice daily in the morning and before bedtime, as recommended by your healthcare provider. StoragePepcid AC should be stored at room temperature (68 degrees and 77 degrees Fahrenheit), away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep Pepcid AC out of the reach of children and pets. How Long Does Pepcid AC Take to Work?A dose of Pepcid AC starts working in 15 to 30 minutes. What Are the Side Effects of Pepcid AC?This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A medical professional can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a medical professional. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088. Common Side EffectsThe most common side effects of Pepcid AC are:
Severe Side EffectsCall your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Long-Term Side EffectsSome people have long-term side effects from taking famotidine. Some long-term side effects can be mild, such as:
Males may also have swollen breast tissue. Moderate long-term side effects can include:
Other long-term side effects can be very serious, such as life-threatening skin reactions, seizures, and low levels of red and/or white blood cells. Report Side EffectsPepcid AC may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your provider may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (1-800-332-1088). (800) 332-1088 Dosage: How Much Pepcid AC Should I Take?Drug Content Provided and Reviewed by IBM Micromedex® The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
ModificationsCertain factors may require you to take precautions or change your dosing regimen when using Pepcid AC. These may include:
Missed DoseIf your healthcare provider has recommended you take your medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double up on doses if you miss a dose. Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Pepcid AC?Symptoms of taking too much Pepcid AC may be similar to the usual side effects including:
What Happens If I Overdose on Pepcid AC?If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on Pepcid AC, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Pepcid AC, call 911 immediately. PrecautionsDrug Content Provided and Reviewed by IBM Micromedex® It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. If your condition does not improve, or if it become worse, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: confusion, delirium, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizures, or unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness. These are more likely to occur if you are older or if you have a kidney disease. Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your or your child's heart rhythm. You or your child might feel dizzy or faint, or you or your child might have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you had a heart rhythm problem, such as QT prolongation. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Take Pepcid AC?Pepcid AC is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take Pepcid AC if you are allergic to famotidine or any of the inactive ingredients. If you have pain or difficulty swallowing food, or if you have vomiting with blood, or have bloody or black stools, this can be a serious condition. See a healthcare provider. Pepcid AC should not be taken with other H2 blockers. Check with your provider before taking Pepcid AC if you have:
If you already take Pepcid AC, stop and consult your provider if:
What Other Medications Interact With Pepcid AC?Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take Pepcid AC with the other medications you take (including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as vitamins and supplements). Drugs that may interact with Pepcid AC include, but are not limited to:
What Medications Are Similar?Besides Pepcid AC, other H2 blockers that are available OTC include:
Prescription H2 blockers include:
Another popular class of drugs used to treat GERD or ulcers is called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. PPIs work by reducing acid production. These include:
This list is a list of drugs also prescribed for stomach conditions. It is NOT a list of drugs recommended to take with Pepcid AC. Ask your pharmacist or a healthcare provider if you have questions. Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Pepcid AC?Tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms, current medical conditions, and medical history before starting Pepcid AC. Bring a list of the medications you take, including all prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements, to review with your provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider if any of the medications you take are contributing to your heartburn symptoms. You may also want to consider dietary factors, such as what foods or beverages could be aggravating your symptoms. Foods you may want to avoid include:
Eating smaller meals, and eating slowly may help as well. Additionally, try to stay upright after eating. Don’t eat before you go to bed. Consult a registered dietician if you need help with a diet that avoids heartburn-triggering foods. Other lifestyle changes that may help symptoms of heartburn include:
Medical DisclaimerVerywell Health's drug information is meant for education purposes only and not intended as a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare professional. Consult your doctor before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page. Does famotidine help right away?Response and effectiveness. Starts to suppress gastric acid within an hour of taking. The maximum effect depends on the dose and occurs within one to three hours. The effect of famotidine lasts for 10 to 12 hours after a single dose.
Should I lay down after taking famotidine?Other than acetaminophen, patients taking medications for pain should do two things: First, take a full glass of water with these medications to wash them down. Second, do not lie down for 30-60 minutes after taking these pills.
Why do you give famotidine at night?Why take famotidine at night? Gastrointestinal reflux is most likely to occur during evening or nighttime hours. Because of this, famotidine may be most effective in controlling reflux when it is taken around the time of an evening meal.
How long does famotidine take to cure GERD?To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Adults and children weighing 40 kilograms (kg) or more—20 milligrams (mg) 2 times per day, in the morning and at bedtime for up to 6 weeks.
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