Pepcid AC

Generic name: Famotidine Tablets [ fa-MOE-ti-deen ]
Brand names: Pepcid, Pepcid AC
Drug class: H2 antagonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2024.

Uses of Pepcid AC:

• It is used to treat or prevent GI (gastrointestinal) ulcers.
• It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; acid reflux).
• It is used to treat heartburn and sour stomach.
• It is used to treat syndromes caused by lots of stomach acid.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Pepcid AC?

• If you have an allergy to famotidine or any other part of Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets).
• If you are allergic to Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets); any part of Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Black or bloody stools; heartburn with light-headedness, sweating, or dizziness; chest pain; shoulder pain with shortness of breath; pain that spreads to the arms, neck, or shoulders; light-headedness; sweating a lot; throwing up blood; or trouble or pain swallowing food.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Cefditoren, dasatinib, delavirdine, or fosamprenavir.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Pepcid AC?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you need Pepcid® AC for more than 14 days in a row, talk with your doctor.
• If you have kidney problems or are elderly, talk with your doctor. Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there); seizures; and feeling agitated, confused, sluggish, or out of sorts have happened in people with kidney problems and in older people.
• This medicine may prevent other drugs taken by mouth from getting into the body. If you take other drugs by mouth, you may need to take them at some other time than Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets). Talk with your doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Pepcid AC) best taken?

Use Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food.
• Ask your doctor before you take antacids with Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

Related/similar drugs

omeprazole, famotidine, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, sucralfate, Nexium, Protonix, lansoprazole, Pepcid, ranitidine

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.

What are some other side effects of Pepcid AC?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Pepcid AC?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Pepcid AC (famotidine tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Is famotidine safer than omeprazole for heartburn?
• Can you take famotidine long term?
• Can I take omeprazole in the morning and famotidine at night?

View more FAQ

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer