This article focuses on Original Strength Pepcid AC pills, which contain famotidine, an H2 receptor blocker that has been shown to lessen stomach acid production Many people use this over-the-counter medication for the burning sensation in their stomach brought on by an increase in acid production. Further information on the uses, the dosage of the product, the contra-indications, the indications during pregnancy and lactation, and alternatives are provided in the relevant sections of this article.
What Is The Original Strength Pepcid AC Pills?
Mechanism Of Action
Famotidine in Pepcid AC (Original strength & Maximum strength) pills work by binding to an H2-receptor on the baso lateral surface of gastric parietal cells. As a result, the production of stomach acid decreases.
Ingredients
Original Strength Pepcid AC is of 10mg & the tablets contains:
Famotidine................................... 10mg
Indications or Uses.
Original Strength Pepcid AC is used to treat the heartburn, indigestion and Dyspepsia caused by overproduction of gastric acid and the following disease conditions namely
- Treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers
- Treatment of gastro esophageal reflux disease
- Treatment of Pathological hypersecretion of gastric acid associated with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
- Treatment of Erosive Esophagitis
- Prevention of Nsaid Induced ulcers
- As a part of multidrug treatment regimen in Helicobacter Pylori treatment.
- Preoperatively in surgical patients to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Contraindications.
Original Strength Pepcid AC is contraindicated in any patient who is known to have hypersensitivity with Famotidine or H2 receptor blockers or one of it's component.
Dosage and administration
Administration
Once or twice a day as advised by your Physician 15 to 30 minutes before meal or at bed time.
Dosage
Dosage For Adults
Route: Oral
Condition Dose Time Period Heartburn 10 to 20 mg orally once a day before meals Up to 14 days GERD 20 mg orally twice a day before meals Up to 6 weeks Duodenal Ulcers 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals Up to 4 weeks Gastric Ulcers 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals Up to 8 weeks NSAID-associated Gastric Ulcers 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals Up to 4-8 weeks Erosive Esophagitis 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals Up to 12 weeks Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome 20 mg orally every 6 hourly decided by your Physician
Please follow your Physician’s instructions for dosing.
Dosage For Adults
| Condition | Dose | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Heartburn | 10 to 20 mg orally once a day before meals | Up to 14 days |
| GERD | 20 mg orally twice a day before meals | Up to 6 weeks |
| Duodenal Ulcers | 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals | Up to 4 weeks |
| Gastric Ulcers | 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals | Up to 8 weeks |
| NSAID-associated Gastric Ulcers | 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals | Up to 4-8 weeks |
| Erosive Esophagitis | 40 mg once a day or 20 mg twice a day before meals | Up to 12 weeks |
| Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome | 20 mg orally every 6 hourly | decided by your Physician |
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose of this medication as soon as you remember. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed one and resume your regular dosing regimen. Avoid doubling of the doses.
Indications During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
The The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given original strength Pepcid AC (famotidine) a B rating, which means it is totally safe to use during pregnancy. Just make sure to check with your gynecologist first before taking any medication.
Lactation
There is no evidence to suggest that using original strength Pepcid AC during breastfeeding is harmful to your baby’s health.
Side Effects
The following common side effects reactions may occur with Pepcid Original use such as
- headaches
- dizziness
- Vomiting
- abdominal discomfort
- Constipation or diarrhea
Other serious reactions that require immediate attention from a healthcare provider include:
- Hives
- Difficult breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Fast heartbeats
Interactions
As a result of potential interactions, avoid taking these drugs with original strength Pepcid AC
- Atazanavir
- Bosutinib
- Dapsone
- Dasatinib
- Delavirdine
- Digoxin
- Indinavir
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Mefloquine
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:
- Avoid eating close to bed time
- Elevate your head while sleeping with a pillow
- Sleep on your left side
- Eat small meals on a regular basis
- Avoid caffeine, carbonated drinks, smoking and alcohol
- Eat a low spice diet
- Avoid junk food
- Drink skimmed milk.
Price
Pack of 30 tablets is available at a Price 9.19$ (USD)
Other Alternative Medicines
FAQs
Q1. what Pepcid Original is used for?
Ans. Pepcid Original is commonly used to treat the heartburn, indigestion and Dyspepsia caused by overproduction of gastric acid and the following disease conditions namely:
- GERD
- Duodenal ulcers
- Peptic Ulcers
- Erosive Esophagitis
- Zollinger Ellison Syndrome
- Part of multidrug treatment regimen in Helicobacter Pylori treatment
- In preoperative patients to prevent aspiration Pneumonia
- Sometimes it is used in combination with H1 receptor blockers to treat hives and itching in people as famotidine is one of the H2 blockers that prevents the binding of histamine to its receptor, and histamine is one of the chemical mediators released during allergic reactions.
Q3. What is the best H2 blocker?
Ans. Famotidine is the best H2 blocker because of it's longer duration of action and less drug-to-drug interactions than other drug in this class like Cimetidine.
Q4. Can I take Pepcid Original and Gaviscon together?
Ans. You may take an antacid with Pepcid Original but don't take until your doctor advise you to do so.
Q5. Does Pepcid reduce gas?
Ans. Pepcid is good for heart burn, dyspepsia and indigestion but don't have any useful action on your stomach bloating or gas so don't use it for gas.
Q6. Does Pepcid Original stop allergic reactions?
Ans. Pepcid is used sometimes for hives in patient who don't respond to H1 antagonist because Famotidine is a H2 receptor blocker that prevent binding of histamine to the receptor and prevent allergic reactions to occur.
Q7. How quickly does Pepcid works Pepcid ?
Ans. Pepcid begin to work in 15- 30 and once taken controls your stomach acid effectively all day long or night.
References
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States [Internet]. Maryland, USA; User information booklet; Famotidine (Pepcid).
Common Side Effects of Pepcid (Famotidine). RxList [Last accessed 15 September 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.