Pepcid Complete is a combination of an H2 receptor blocker (famotidine) and two distinct antacids (calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide). These act by reducing the quantity of acid produced in the stomach. Pepcid Complete tablets are available over the counter in chewable tablet form and should be taken daily before meals with no more than two tablets in a 24-hour period.
More information regarding the product's usage, dosage, contraindications, pregnancy and lactation indications, and alternatives can be found in the relevant sections of this article.
What Is Pepcid Complete?
Mechanism Of Action
Famotidine prevents histamine from binding it's receptor block acid production
Antacids (calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide) neutralizes the stomach acid.
Ingredients
Indications or Uses.
Pepcid Complete is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Acid indigestion
- Heartburn
- Sour or upset stomach
Contraindications.
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to famotidine or other stomach acid reducers (such as ranitidine, cimetidine, Zantac, or Tagamet).
Do not take this medication if you have difficulty swallowing, vomiting in blood, or have bloody stools.
Pepcid Complete contains phenylalanine so the patient with Phenylketonuria should tell their doctor or pharmacists about it.
Dosage and administration
Administration
Once or twice a day atleast an hour before your meal.
Dosage
Recommended Dose For heartburn or acid indigestion (Adults and children 12 years and older):
Route: Oral
1 tablet one hour before meals. A maximum of two tablets should be taken in 24 hours.
Indications During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Famotidine has no negative effects on the developing foetus. However, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless a doctor prescribes it.
Lactation
There is no evidence that taking Famotidine while breastfeeding is harmful to your breastfed infants, but it is advised to be on the safer side nursing mothers should either discontinue PEPCID COMPLETE or stop nursing.
Side Effects
The following common side effects reactions may occur with Pepcid Original use such as
- headache
- Dizziness
- abdominal discomfort and pain
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- nausea
- vomiting
- flatulence
Other serious reactions that require immediate attention from a healthcare provider include:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Decrease in blood cells count
Interactions
Don't taking these drugs with Pepcid Complete as a result of potential interactions there should be atleast 4 hours gap between the two.
Antifungal; Itraconazole
Tetracycline hydrochloride; doxycycline
Ciprofloxacin
Penicillamine
Zinc sulfate
Pro Advice 💡
For best results, always take the medication before meals or at bed time.
Do not chew the tablet instead swallow it with a sip of water.
If you experience itching, rashes, hives, swallowing of the face, or hellucination stop taking the medication immediately and speak to your Physician.
In case of heart burn, indigestion and reflux try healthy natural alternatives such as:
- Mostly reflux occurs right before bed, so avoid eating right before bed.
- Keep your head high while sleeping
- Eat small frequent meals throughout tha day
- Avoid caffeine, carbonated drinks, smoking and alcohol .
- Skimmed milk after eating food act as an antacid so try to include it in your diet.
Price
Pack of 25 tablets is available at a Price 13.99$ (USD)
Other Alternative Medicines
FAQs
Q1. What is Pepcid Complete used for?
Ans. Pepcid Complete is a combination of an H2 receptor blocker (famotidine) and two distinct antacids (calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide). Pepcid Complete is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Acidity or indigestion
- Heartburn
- Sour or upset stomach
Q3. What is the best time to take Pepcid Complete?
Ans. As the info booklet describes it should be taken 1 hour before your meal and not more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.
References
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc. 88 McNabb Street Markham, Ontario User information leaflet; Pepcid Complete. [Last accessed 25 October 2023].
Common Side Effects of Pepcid (Famotidine). RxList [Last accessed 25 October 2023].
Famotidine Use During Pregnancy | NIH National Library Of Medicine [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Last accessed 25 October 2023].
Disclaimer
All information on the product's uses, dosage, side effects, formula, ingredients, indications, contraindications, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and whether it is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is based solely on material found on the internet and it is only provided here for general education and information purposes only.
We can not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information we published on this website. All of the information material we published is based only on FDA-approved literature and is not intended to replace expert medical advice. Always seek an expert medical advice from a health care provider before start using this medicine.
Dr. Mohd Kamran Karim
I am a professional doctor and an enthusiastic blogger who completed his graduation in 2013 (MBBS) and currently working as a post graduate clinical fellow. I am a medical professional with desired clinical expertise, and I want to utilize my knowledge & writing to advise my readers on how to use prescription and over-the-counter medications to minimize any adverse effects.