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Pepcid
Pronounced: PEP-sid
Generic name: Famotidine
Other brand names: Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD
Pepcid is prescribed for the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer (in the upper intestine) for 4 to 8 weeks and for active, benign gastric ulcer (in the stomach) for 6 to 8 weeks. It is prescribed for maintenance therapy, at reduced dosage, after a duodenal ulcer has healed. It is also used for short-term treatment of GERD, a condition in which the acid contents of the stomach flow back into the food canal (esophagus), and for resulting inflammation of the esophagus. It is also prescribed for certain diseases that cause the stomach to produce excessive quantities of acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Pepcid belongs to a class of drugs known as histamine H2-blockers.
An over-the-counter formulation, Pepcid AC, is used to relieve and prevent heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
ADULTS
For Duodenal Ulcer
The usual starting dose is 40 milligrams once a day at bedtime. Results should be seen within 4 weeks, and this medication should not be used at full dosage longer than 6 to 8 weeks. Your doctor may have you take 20 milligrams twice a day. The normal maintenance dose after your ulcer has healed is 20 milligrams or 2.5 millilitres (half a teaspoonful) once a day at bedtime.
Benign Gastric Ulcer
The usual dose is 40 milligrams once a day at bedtime.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The usual dose is 20 milligrams twice a day for up to 6 weeks. For inflammation of the esophagus due to GERD, the dose is 20 or 40 milligrams twice a day for up to 12 weeks.
Excess Acid Conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome)
The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams every 6 hours, although some people need a higher dose. Doses of up to 160 milligrams every 6 hours have been given in severe cases.
If your kidneys are not functioning properly, your doctor will adjust the dosage.
CHILDREN
Pepcid can be given to children 1 to 16 years old. Dose adjustments are necessary if the child has kidney problems. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in infants of less than 1 year.
Peptic Ulcer
The usual daily dose is 0.5 milligram per 2.2 pounds of body weight. The entire dose may be given at bedtime, or divided and given in 2 smaller doses. Do not give more than 40 milligrams per day.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The usual daily dose is 1 milligram per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided and given in 2 smaller doses. Do not exceed 40 milligrams daily.
PEPCID AC
Pepcid AC should not be given to children under age 12. Take no more than 2 tablets per day.
Relief : Swallow 1 tablet with water.
Prevention: Take 1 tablet 1 hour before a meal that could cause symptoms. |
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