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

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May 16, 2012

Pepcid

Reflux Laryngitis »

Why does reflux laryngitis occur?

Reflux is caused by weakness in the muscle at the junction of the esophagus with the stomach. Normally, this muscular valve, or sphincter, functions to keep food and stomach acid from moving upward from the stomach to the esophagus and larynx. This valve opens to allow food into the stomach and closes to keep the stomach's contents from coming back up. The backward movement of stomach contents (gastric contents) up into the esophagus is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux.

Additionally, any increase in abdominal pressure (such as obesity), which can push acid back from the stomach up the esophagus, or a patient with a hiatal hernia, will have an increased risk for reflux. When it causes symptoms, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD). When the acid backs up into the voice box (larynx), the condition is referred to as reflux laryngitis.

Stomach acid can cause irritati...

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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 (Heartburn Relief, Leader Acid Reducer, Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid AC Maximum Strength)?

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

Stop using famotidine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

easy bruising or bleeding;
fast or pounding heartbeat;
confusion, hallucinations, seizure;
numbness or tingly feeling; or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin...

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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.