Pepcid (famotidine) is used to treat and prevent heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach, as well as to manage conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers in the stomach or intestines, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome[2][3][5].
Prescription famotidine is indicated for:
- Treating and preventing ulcers in the stomach (gastric) and intestines (duodenal)
- Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid causes heartburn and irritation of the esophagus
- Treating erosive esophagitis due to GERD
- Treating pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
Over-the-counter famotidine (like Pepcid AC) is mainly used to:
- Relieve heartburn due to acid indigestion and sour stomach
- Prevent heartburn when taken before eating or drinking foods or beverages that may trigger symptoms
Pepcid works by blocking histamine H2 receptors in the stomach, thereby reducing the amount of acid produced[2][3][5]. It is available as prescription and over-the-counter tablets or liquids.
References
- [1] Famotidine: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action – DrugBank
- [2] Famotidine (Pepcid AC): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews – GoodRx
- [3] Famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac 360) – Uses, Side Effects, and More – WebMD
- [4] Maximum Strength PEPCID AC® Tablets with Famotidine
- [5] Pepcid: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects – Drugs.com
- [6] Famotidine: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [7] Famotidine (oral route) – Side effects & dosage – Mayo Clinic
- [8] What Is PEPCID