Heartburn is a feeling of burning pain in your lower chest, behind the breastbone. It comes from acid backing up from your stomach to your throat. You may have seen ads for heartburn drugs, such as Nexium, Prilosec or Prevacid. These drugs are called PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). They keep the stomach from making too much acid. They have been shown to heal irritation of the tube between the throat and the stomach (the esophagus). Show
In most cases, you don’t need a PPI for heartburn. You can get relief from a less powerful drug. And when you do need a PPI, you should take the lowest dose for as short a time as possible. Here’s why: You may not need a PPI?More than half of the people who take PPIs probably do not need them. Simple heartburn can be treated with antacids or other drugs, plus diet and lifestyle changes. You may only have heartburn every now and then—such as after a big, spicy meal. This may be uncomfortable, but it is not serious. You can usually get relief from an antacid, like Rolaids or Tums, or an H2 blocker, such as Pepcid AC or Zantac. PPIs have risks.If you need a PPI, taking a low dose for less than a year is probably safe. PPIs are expensive and have been linked to higher risk of some Some risks of taking a PPI for a year or longer include:
PPIs can change the way other drugs work.PPIs interact with some common prescription drugs. For example, some PPIs can reduce the blood-thinning effect of the drug Plavix (generic clopidogrel), according to the US Food and Drug Administration. This can increase the risk of heart attack and even death. If you take Plavix, talk to your doctor about whether you should take a PPI. PPIs cost more.Why spend more money on a PPI unless antacids or H2 blockers don’t work? Both the prescription and over-the-counter versions of PPIs are usually more expensive than antacids and H2 blockers. If you are worried about cost, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find When should you consider a PPI?Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms such as trouble swallowing, weight loss, or chest pain. Call the doctor if you don’t get better in about two weeks. The doctor will look for signs of problems such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). If you have GERD, you probably need a PPI. Talk to your doctor if:
If your doctor thinks you need a PPI:
This report is for you to use when talking with your healthcare provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Use of this report is at your own risk. Famotidine 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. Famotidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn. The Zantac 360 brand of this medicine does not contain ranitidine, a medicine that was withdrawn from market in the United States. Famotidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. usesWhat is Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection) used for?
warningsWhat is the most important information I should know about Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection)?Heartburn can feel like a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or similar medicines such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), or nizatidine (Axid). Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. User Reviews & RatingNo ratings yet for Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection)Leave a ReviewSide EffectsWhat are the side effects of Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection)?Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using famotidine and call your doctor at once if you have:
Some side effects may be more likely in older adults and in people who have severe kidney disease. Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Pregnancy & BreastfeedingCan I take Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?B No evidence of risk in humans Based on FDA pregnancy categories Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. InteractionsWhat drugs and food should I avoid while taking Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection)?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. Dosage Guidelines & TipsHow to take Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection)?Use Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Famotidine oral is taken by mouth. Famotidine injection is given in a vein if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth. You may take famotidine oral with or without food. Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a 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 while using famotidine. Your treatment may also include 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 famotidine liquid that is older than 30 days. What should I do if I missed a dose of Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection)? 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. Overdose SignsWhat happens if I overdose on Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection)?If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection), call your doctor or the Poison Control center (800) 222-1222If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Pepcid AC (Famotidine Oral Injection), call 911 911ImagesTEVA, 2662Color: orange Shape: round Imprint: TEVA, 2662 No image available Logo 10, 2662Color: peach Shape: round Imprint: Logo 10, 2662 No image available CC 58Color: pink Shape: round Form: film coated Imprint: CC 58 See More Find Another DrugSearch prescription drugs, over-the counter medications, and supplementsCLEAR Medical DisclaimerDrugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health. Read more Can you take Tums and famotidine in the same day?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.
What drugs should not be taken with Pepcid?Some affected products include atazanavir, dasatinib, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), levoketoconazole, pazopanib, among others. Do not take this medication with other products that contain famotidine or other H2 blockers (cimetidine, nizatidine, ranitidine).
How many Tums can you take with famotidine?Do not take more than 2 tablets within 24 hours. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This product contains an antacid which may react with other medications, preventing them from being fully absorbed by your body.
Do Pepcid and Tums do the same thing?Studies have shown that bismuth subsalicylate and calcium carbonate are commonly used to treat indigestion because of their acid-reducing effects. Compared with H2 blockers like Pepcid (famotidine) and Zantac (ranitidine), Tums works faster and relieves symptoms for a shorter period of time.
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