Pepcid (Famotidine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Pepcid

Peptic Ulcer »

What is a peptic ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is a hole in the gut lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer; of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer; and of the esophagus, an esophageal ulcer. An ulcer occurs when the lining of these organs is corroded by the acidic digestive juices which are secreted by the stomach cells. Peptic ulcer disease is common, affecting millions of Americans yearly. The medical cost of treating peptic ulcer and its complications runs in the billions of dollars annually. Recent medical advances have increased our understanding of ulcer formation. Improved and expanded treatment options are now available.

What are the causes of peptic ulcers?

For many years, excess acid was believed to be the major cause of ulcer disease. Accordingly, treatment emphasis was on neutra...

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PEPCID®
(famotidine) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The active ingredient in PEPCID® (famotidine) is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist. Famotidine is N'(aminosulfonyl)-3-[[[2-[(diaminomethylene)amino]-4-thiazolyl]methyl]thio]propanimidamide. The empirical formula of famotidine is C₈H₁₅N₇O₂S₃ and its molecular weight is 337.43. Its structural formula is:

PEPCID® (famotidine) Structural Formula Illustration

Famotidine is a white to pale yellow crystalline compound that is freely soluble in glacial acetic acid, slightly soluble in methanol, very slightly soluble in water, and practically insoluble in ethanol.

Each tablet for oral administration contains either 20 mg or 40 mg of famotidine and the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, iron oxides, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, talc, titanium dioxide, and carnauba wax.

What are the possible side effects of famotidine, calcium, and magnesium (Dual Action Complete, Pepcid Complete)?

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 taking this medication and call your doctor at once if:

your heartburn gets worse; or
you still have heartburn after 2 weeks of taking famotidine, calcium, and magnesium.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side...

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What are the precautions when taking famotidine (Pepcid)?

Before taking famotidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 blockers such as cimetidine, ranitidine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 7/11/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.