Drug Title

Pepcid (Famotidine)

Drug Description

Pepсid reduces the amount of acid in the stomach with the treatment and prevention of ulcers in the stomach and intestines.

Indication for the use

Pepсid is a blocker of histamine H2-receptor. It inhibits basal gastric HCl, and also stimulates histamine, gastrin and acetylcholine. Simultaneously with the decrease in the activity of pepsin HCl also decreases. Pepсid strengthens the protective mechanisms of the gastric mucosa by stimulating the production of mucus-rich glycoproteins. Other blockers are cimetidine H2 (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac) and nizatidine (Axid). Pepсid is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric hyperacidity, heartburn (related to the acidity of gastric juice), symptomatic gastrointestinal ulcers caused by stress, erosive reflux oesophagitis, gastropathy caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory treatment for drugs, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Medication and directions

The recommended dose for the treatment of Pepсid duodenal ulcers is 40 mg once daily at bedtime or 20 mg twice a day. It usually takes about 4 hours to treat ulcers. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the amount of drug taken. Chew a Pepсid pill before swallowing. Shake the liquid before eating and after 10-20 seconds, measure it with a special spoon.

Drug Interactions

Pepсid reduces the metabolism of phenazone, aminofenazona, diazepam, geksobarbitala, propranolol, lidocaine, phenytoin, aminofilina, theophylline, indirect anticoagulants, tricyclic antidepressants and other drugs in the liver. Pepсid increases the absorption of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Antacids and sucralfate slow its absorption. Pepсid reduces the absorption of itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral).

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. When it is time for next dose, just skip it and go back to your regular schedule reception. Never take a double dose of the medicine to make up for the missed time.

Overdose

Overdose of Pepсid may cause the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fast heart rate, or fainting. If you think you have taken too much medication, tell your doctor about this, because you may need urgent medical attention.

Storage

Store the drug at room temperature of 15-30 C (59-86 F) away from light and moisture, children and pets. Injection should be stored at 2-8 C (36-46 F).

Precautions

You should not take Pepсid if you are allergic to it and other blockers of H2. Tell your doctor if you suffer from kidney pains or liver disease, stomach cancer or other problems, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other breathing problems, you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding. You may have to interrupt your treatment with Pepсid. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, breast-feeding. Caution should be taken by patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency, cirrhosis and children.

Possible side effects

Side effects of treatment with Pepсid may include allergy symptoms, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. Other major side effects: agitation, anemia, confusion, depression, easy bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, hair loss, irregular heartbeat, rash, visual changes and jaundice.