What is Pepcid?

Pepcid is a histamine-2 blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Pepcid is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Pepcid also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Warnings

Before taking Pepcid, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a history of Long QT syndrome, stomach cancer or other problems, or asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems.

Pepcid may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.

Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.

You should not use Pepcid if you are allergic to famotidine or similar medicines such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), or nizatidine (Axid).

Before taking this medicine

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

To make sure Pepcid is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• cancer stomach; or
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

Ask a doctor before using Pepcid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take Pepcid?

Use Pepcid exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Most ulcers heal within 4 weeks of famotidine treatment, but it may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. Keep using the medication as directed.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with famotidine does not improve, or if it gets worse.

Pepcid may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes changes in diet or lifestyle habits. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

Throw away any unused liquid that is older than 30 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

What to avoid

Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of damage to your stomach.

Avoid taking other stomach acid reducers unless your doctor has told you to. However, you may take an antacid (such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Milk of Magnesia, Rolaids, or Tums) with famotidine.

Pepcid side effects

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

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, hallucinations, agitation, lack of energy;
• a seizure;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or
• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Some side effects may be more likely in older adults and in people who have severe kidney disease.

Common Pepcid side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness; or
• constipation or diarrhea.

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

What other drugs will affect Pepcid?

Famotidine can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking:

• cefditoren;
• dasatinib;
• delavirdine;
• fosamprenavir; or
• tizanidine (if you are taking famotidine liquid).

What is ranitidine?

Ranitidine was withdrawn from the market in the United States in April 2020.

Ranitidine belongs to a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Ranitidine has been used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also was used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome..

Ranitidine was also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

A cancer-causing impurity found in many ranitidine medications may increase to unacceptable levels over time and when ranitidine is stored at high temperatures. As a result, the FDA has asked all makers of ranitidine to withdraw this medicine from the market in the United States.

Warnings

Ranitidine has been withdrawn from the market in the United States. Some of the contents of this leaflet are preserved for historical purposes only.

Using ranitidine may increase your risk of developing pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, and coughing up green or yellow mucus. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of developing pneumonia.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ranitidine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or porphyria.

Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.

Ranitidine granules and effervescent tablets must be dissolved in water before you take them. Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor’s directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach. It may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.

Before taking this medicine

If you have been taking prescription-strength ranitidine: Before you stop taking the medicine, ask your doctor about safer treatment options.

If you have been taking over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine: Stop taking the medicine, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about other approved OTC stomach acid reducers.

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

Before using any OTC medicine to reduce stomach acid, ask a doctor or pharmacist if the medicine is safe for you if you have other medical conditions or allergies.

Ask a doctor before using any OTC stomach acid medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take ranitidine?

Because ranitidine has been withdrawn from the market in the U.S., some of the contents of this leaflet are intended for historical purposes only.

Take ranitidine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

It may take up to 8 weeks before your ulcer heals. Keep using your medications as directed and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks.

Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor’s directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

Overdose symptoms may include lack of coordination, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What to avoid

You should not stop taking prescription-strength ranitidine until you ask your doctor to prescribe a different medication. Talk with doctor as soon as possible about how best to treat your condition.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach.

Ranitidine side effects

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

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, chills, cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath;
• fast or slow heart rate;
• easy bruising or bleeding; or
• problems with your skin or hair.

Common ranitidine side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
• diarrhea, constipation.