Pepcid (famotidine) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. Pepcid is used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers.

Pepcid can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort. Pepcid is also used to control acid reflux (heartburn).

Pepcid contains the active ingredient famotidine, which is a type of medicine called an H2-receptor antagonist. Pepcid works by blocking histamine (H2) receptors that are present on cells in the stomach lining.

Normally a substance called histamine binds to these receptors. Histamine is produced throughout the body and has many effects. When histamine binds to H2 receptors on cells in the stomach lining it causes them to produce acid.

Pepcid works by binding

It may take several days for Pepcid to begin relieving stomach pain. You can use antacids for the pain at the same time you take Pepcid .

Adults

For Duodenal Ulcer
The usual starting dose of Pepcid is 40 milligrams or 5 milliliters (1 teaspoonful) once a day at bedtime. Results should be seen within 4 weeks, and Pepcid should not be used at full dosage longer than 6 to 8 weeks. Your doctor may have you take 20 milligrams twice a day. The normal maintenance dose after

If Pepcid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered.

It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Pepcid with the following:

• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

Most Important Fact about Pepcid

To cure your ulcer, you need to take Pepcid for the full time of treatment your doctor prescribes. Keep taking Pepcid even if you begin to feel better.

Pepcid precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Pepcid is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Pepcid passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should therefore either stop breastfeeding

More common side effects of Pepcid may include:

• nausea
• vomiting,
• inflammation of joints,
• loss of appetite.

Less common side effects of Pepcid may include:

• abdominal pain,
• back, leg, or stomach pain,
• bleeding or crusting sores on lips,
• blistering,
• burning,
• redness,
• scaling, or tenderness of skin,
• blisters on palms of hands and soles of feet,
• changes in
  Top | Read More on Possible Pepcid Side effects