Generic Pepcid

Pepcid, generically know as famotidine prescription strength tablets, is used for short-term treatment and prevention of ulcers, gastreosphageal reflux disease (GERD) and pathological hypersecretory conditions. Pepcid is a member of the family of medicines known as histamine receptor antagonists. In its over-the-counter form, this drug only can offer relief and prevention for the symptoms of sour stomach, acid indigestion and heartburn. Pepcid stops the production of histamine which stimulates the stomach to produce acid. It should be expected that there will be additional lab monitoring and follow ups visit to determine the medication’s effectiveness.

Patients who are pregnant or breast feeding should not use this medication. The American Food and Drug Administration has given Pepcid a pregnancy rating B, which means that this medication carries only a small risk of causing harm to an unborn fetus. Patients should be urged to tell the prescribing physician if they are or become pregnant while taking this medication. It has yet to be determined whether or not this medication will cause any ill effect on a nursing infant. Patients who are breast feeding should ultimately consider the risks and the benefits of taking this medication while nursing prior to receiving a prescription.

Not all patients will be able to tolerate Pepcid, and a thorough medical assessment should always be performed prior to prescribing this drug.The elderly may be more sensitive to Pepcid, so caution should be utilized when prescribing Pepcid. Anyone with a pre-existing liver or kidney disorder should not take this medication; possible adverse interaction may occur. Patients with swallowing difficulties, pain when swallowing, black stools, chronically bloody stools, or vomit tinged with blood may not be able to take Pepcid, or may require additional monitoring when taking this medication. Pepcid has been known to decrease the effects of the drug, ketoconazole.

There are no other known drug interactions; however, this does not mean that Pepcid could not interact with other drugs. Patients should still consult with their physician before adding a new medication, prescription or over the counter, herbal remedy, or vitamin supplement in case new information becomes available.

Pepcid can be taken without to meals; however, if an upset stomach occurs when taking this medication, it can be taken with food.

Side effects are common when taking any medication. While most side effects warrant no medical attention, the prescribing physician should be made aware of these side effects. Patients should notify their health care provider immediately if any of the following side effects should occur: bloody or coffee ground vomit, black tarry stools, recurrent heart burn, recurrent indigestion or abdominal pain, headache, gas, constipation or any other bothersome effects.

Some patients may experience life threatening side effects. In the event of a life threatening side effect patients should seek emergency medical attention. Severe side effects could include but are not necessarily limited to any allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat or swelling of face, lips, throat, mouth or tongue) or convulsions.

Pepcid is not known to effect any type of lab testing that may be performed. Patients should expect treatment to last a minimum of eight weeks if they are using Pepcid to treat an ulcer. Ulcers may often take as long before the damage is healed and patients should not prematurely stop taking this medicine with a prior consult with their physician.