What are the dangers of taking Pepcid?

Headache, constipation, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Why should I not take PEPCID?

You should not take Pepcid AC if you are allergic to famotidine or any of the inactive ingredients. If you have pain or difficulty swallowing food, or if you have vomiting with blood, or have bloody or black stools, this can be a serious condition. See a healthcare provider.

What are risks for taking PEPCID long term?

Increased risk of bone fracture: Increased gastrin production as a result of taking PPIs can inhibit calcium absorption, making bones more fragile. Heart Attack: It's recently been discovered that the risk of heart attack in adults is increased by as much as 20% with the long term use of PPIs.

What are the side effects of long term use of famotidine?

Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: confusion, delirium, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizures, or unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness.

Why was PEPCID recalled?

They may contain unacceptable levels of a potential cancer-causing substance known as NDMA, or N-Nitrosodimethylamine. In some samples tested by the FDA, the impurity appears to increase over time, especially when stored at higher temperatures.

What are the dangers of taking PEPCID?

What is the safest antacid to take long term?

According to Dr. Ghouri, Prilosec OTC “is usually sufficient in controlling symptoms in a majority of [heartburn] cases” and has been the #1 Doctor Recommended frequent heartburn relief medicine for 14 years.

What can I take instead of Pepcid?

Is it OK to take Pepcid every day?

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval because this may delay healing of the ulcer.

Can you be on famotidine for life?

Famotidine (brand name: Pepcid AC, Zantac 360) should not be used for longer than 14 days if you are treating heartburn symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you need to use this product for longer than 14 days or you've had heartburn for longer than 3 months, as you may have a more serious problem.

What are the new warnings for famotidine?

What is the best long term acid reflux medicine?

To solve longer episodes of recurring heartburn, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are usually recommended. This last class of drugs, including brand names such as Nexium and Prilosec, is typically the most effective for frequent, ongoing heartburn.

Does Pepcid cause liver damage?

Famotidine is a histamine type 2 receptor antagonist (H2 blocker) which is commonly used for treatment of acid-peptic disease and heartburn. Famotidine has been linked to rare instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.

Does Pepcid cause kidney damage?

Taking popular heartburn medication for prolonged periods may lead to serious kidney damage, even in people who show no signs of kidney problems, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St.

How long should you stay on Pepcid?

Use PEPCID^® as directed on the product label. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours. If you find that you need to use PEPCID^® for more than 14 days, stop use and consult a doctor.

Can Pepcid affect your heart?

PPIs reduce the amount of nitric oxide in blood vessel walls, which is meant to relax and protect them, Shah said. Taking away that protection may increase heart attack risk, he said.

Can Pepcid raise blood pressure?

Your blood pressure might get too high while you are using this medicine. This may cause headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision.

What happens if you stop famotidine cold turkey?

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don't take it at all: Your acid reflux, heartburn, or ulcer symptoms may not get better or may get worse. If you miss doses or don't take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely.

Is it hard to get off famotidine?

Unfortunately for many patients, quitting PPIs is easier said than done. It's not something that can be done overnight, and patients feel the effects when they try to go cold turkey. Instead, we recommend slowly weaning yourself off your PPIs with the help of a reflux doctor.

How do I get off famotidine?

Slowly taper off the PPI over 2-4 weeks (the higher the dose, the longer the taper). While the taper is being completed, use the following for bridge therapy to reduce the symptoms of rebound hyperacidity. Encourage regular aerobic exercise. Encourage a relaxation technique such as deep breathing.

How long can you take Pepcid AC 20 mg?

Do not use more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor. Do not take for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor.

What's better Pepcid or Prilosec?

Prilosec works better for longer-lasting relief, whereas Pepcid kicks in faster but may not be as effective long term. Still, everyone responds differently to drugs, and a medical provider can determine which one is best for long-term treatment of GERD, reflux, or other conditions.

How long can I take famotidine 20 mg?

To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Adults and children weighing 40 kilograms (kg) or more—20 milligrams (mg) 2 times per day, in the morning and at bedtime for up to 6 weeks.

What is the best natural antacid?

Can I take Tums instead of Pepcid?

Studies have shown that bismuth subsalicylate and calcium carbonate are commonly used to treat indigestion because of their acid-reducing effects. Compared with H2 blockers like Pepcid (famotidine) and Zantac (ranitidine), Tums works faster and relieves symptoms for a shorter period of time.

Is there a lawsuit against famotidine?

Sanofi's new drug, Zantac 360 made with famotidine is not a part of the recalls or lawsuits. In December 2022, a judge dismissed thousands of Zantac cases because they claimed there wasn't enough evidence.