Pepcid - An overview
Pepcid contains the active ingredient famotidine. This drug is available as an OTC medication and by prescription. It may be used for the treatment of many conditions involving the intestines, esophagus and stomach. Pepcid belongs to the group of medications called H2 blockers. Pepcid Complete contains two antacids called calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide and Pepcid.
Pepcid maker
Merck and Co. make the prescription form of Pepcid tablets. Salix Pharmaceuticals makes the liquid form of perscription Pepcid. The OTC forms of Pepcid Complete and Pepcid AC are manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. The generic form of this drug is made by many companies.
Uses
Uses for the prescription of Pepcid might include:
- To treat ulcers located in the beginning of the intestines. This medication can be prescribed to prevent ulcers from recurring as well as to treat duodenal ulcers.
- To treat ulcers located in the stomach. This medication has been approved for the treatment of gastric ulcers that are non cancerous.
- To treat GERD. It has been approved for the treatment of GERD and ease symptoms of heartburn while healing a damaged esophagus from this condition.
- Conditions that cause the stomach to make too much acid, including Zollinger Ellison syndrome.
- The OTC forms of Pepcid have been approved for the treatment of acid indigestion, heartburn and sour stomach. It can be an effective treatment for the listed problems after they've started. Pepcid AC can also be taken for the prevention of these issues if taken before eating and drinking anything that might cause heartburn and other problems.
What it does
Pepcid is a medicine that is called an H2 blocker. These medications work to block the histamine receptors that cause the stomach to make more acid. By blocking these histamines, Pepcid can reduce how much acid the stomach makes. This is what allows Pepcid to be considered an "acid reducer."
Possible Effects
All medications carry the potential for side effects, but not all that take this drug will notice side effects. Most people do quite well on this medicine. If you do experience side effects, they will most likely be mild and it's likely that you won't need to have the treated at all. Less commonly reported are serious side effects.
Most commonly reported effects of this medication might include: diarrhea, dizziness, headaches and constipation.