Generic Name: Famotidine
Indications: Blocks histamine-2 for the treatment of stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and intestinal ulcers.
FDA Drug Category: B

Pepcid AC is an over-the-counter medication most commonly used to treat heartburn and designed to work fast to prevent and/or relieve heartburn. Pepcid AC may be suggested instead of prescription medication or in combination with other treatments.

General precautions

Pepcid AC is not safe for patients allergic to Zantac, Tagamet, and Axid – three other medications used to treat stomach disorders and conditions. Patients with a history of or current diagnosis of kidney disease, QT syndrome, liver disease, asthma, COPD, stomach cancer, or breathing problems should tell you before taking Pepcid AC. Not all over-the-counter medications are safe for everyone.

Pepcid AC comes in a chewable tablet. Chew the tablet completely before swallowing. If you are taking Pepcid AC for the treatment of stomach or intestinal ulcer it can take up to eight weeks for the condition to heal. If you have not noticed any improvement in six weeks contact your doctor because the medication may not be working for you.

It is important to refrain from consuming alcohol while taking Pepcid AC. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach damage. Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, muscle cramps, and nausea. More serious side effects include bleeding, bruising, confusion, seizures, and jaundice. Report any serious side effects to your doctor immediately.

Pepcid AC should not be taken with Reyataz, Sporanox or Nizoral. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications as well as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.

Does Pepcid AC affect fertility?

Animal studies using 2,000 mg of Pepcid AC by mouth per kg of body weight did not have any effect on fertility, but no human studies have been completed.

Animal studies on rats showed no negative side effects on pregnancy or fetal health. Rabbit studies have shown sporadic spontaneous abortions with rabbits refused to eat. The effect on rabbits are not necessarily predictive of effects on humans, however, Pepcid AC should be used only when necessary during pregnancy.

Is it okay to take Pepcid AC while breastfeeding?

Pepcid AC is excreted in breast milk. In animal studies with rats, pups breastfeeding to mothers taking 600 times the normal human dose showed signs of depressed growth. There have been no reports of depressed growth in humans, but about 2% of the maternal dose may pass on to the infant. If you are concerned about breastfeeding while taking Pepcid AC, speak with your doctor about alternative medications or treatment plans.