- Are Pepcid and Zantac the Same Thing?
- What Are Possible Side Effects of Pepcid?
- What Are Possible Side Effects of Zantac?
- What is Pepcid?
- What is Zantac?
- What Drugs Interact with Pepcid?
- What Drugs Interact with Zantac?
- How Should Pepcid Be Taken?
- How Should Zantac Be Taken?
Are Pepcid and Zantac the Same Thing?
Pepcid (famotidine) and Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride) are H2-blockers used to treat and prevent recurrence of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Pepcid is also useful in managing heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Pepcid and Zantac are available over-the-counter (OTC) and in generic form.
What Are Possible Side Effects of Pepcid?
Common side effects of Pepcid include:
- constipation,
- diarrhea,
- fatigue,
- dizziness,
- weakness,
- mood changes,
- headache,
- insomnia,
- muscle pain or cramps,
- joint pain,
- dry mouth,
- nausea, or
- vomiting.
What Are Possible Side Effects of Zantac?
Common side effects of Zantac include:
- constipation,
- diarrhea,
- fatigue,
- headache (may be severe),
- drowsiness,
- dizziness,
- sleep problems (insomnia),
- decreased sex drive,
- impotence,
- difficulty having an orgasm,
- muscle pain,
- stomach pain,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- constipation,
- or swollen or tender breasts (in men).
What is Pepcid?
Pepcid (famotidine) is an H2-blocker used to treat and prevent recurrence of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Pepcid is also useful in managing heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Pepcid is available as a generic drug.
What is Zantac?
Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride) is a H2 (histamine-2) receptor blocker used for treating and preventing ulcers in the duodenum and stomach. Zantac is also used for treating:
- heartburn,
- erosive esophagitis,
- and Zollinger Ellison syndrome.

SLIDESHOW
Digestive Disorders: Common Misconceptions See SlideshowWhat Drugs Interact With Pepcid?
Pepcid may interact with atazanavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.
What Drugs Interact With Zantac?
Zantac may interact with ketoconazole, atazanavir, and blood thinners such as warfarin.
Zantac may also interact with triazolam, procainamide, riazolam, midazolam, glipizide, delavirdine, and gefitinib.
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McNeil Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co. Pepcid Consumer Information.
www.pepcid.com
Sanofi. Zantac Consumer Product Information.
https://www.zantacotc.com