Can you buy Pepcid over the counter. How does Pepcid compare to other OTC heartburn medications. What are the benefits of using Pepcid for heartburn relief. Is Pepcid safe and effective for long-term use.

Understanding PEPCID: A Powerful OTC Heartburn Solution

PEPCID is a well-known brand in the world of over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medications. Its active ingredient, famotidine, belongs to a class of drugs called histamine-2 (H2) blockers. These medications work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, providing relief from heartburn and related symptoms.

The PEPCID product line includes several variations:

• PEPCID COMPLETE Chewable Tablets with Famotidine & Antacids
• Original Strength PEPCID AC Tablets with Famotidine
• Maximum Strength PEPCID AC Tablets with Famotidine
• PEPCID COMPLETE ON-THE-GO Chewable Tablets with Famotidine & Antacids

Each of these products is designed to address different levels of heartburn severity and provide quick, effective relief.

The Science Behind PEPCID’s Effectiveness

How does PEPCID work to alleviate heartburn symptoms? The active ingredient, famotidine, acts as a histamine-2 blocker. It inhibits the action of histamine on the stomach’s acid-producing cells, effectively reducing the amount of acid secreted. This mechanism of action makes PEPCID particularly effective for those suffering from frequent or severe heartburn.

PEPCID offers several key benefits:

• Fast-acting relief, starting to work in 15-30 minutes
• Long-lasting acid control for up to 12 hours
• Prevention of heartburn when taken before meals
• Backed by over 50 clinical studies

PEPCID vs. Other OTC Heartburn Medications: A Comparative Analysis

When choosing an OTC heartburn medication, it’s essential to understand how PEPCID compares to other options on the market. Let’s examine the differences between PEPCID and a common antacid like TUMS:

While both products offer quick relief, PEPCID COMPLETE provides the added benefit of long-lasting acid control and all-night protection, making it a more comprehensive solution for those with frequent or severe heartburn.

The PEPCID Advantage: Why Doctors and Pharmacists Recommend It

PEPCID has earned its reputation as the #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended OTC acid reducer brand. This endorsement from healthcare professionals is based on several factors:

• Rapid onset of action, providing relief in minutes
• Long-lasting acid control for up to 12 hours
• Ability to prevent heartburn when taken before meals
• Extensive clinical research backing its efficacy and safety
• 35 years of expertise as the original famotidine brand
• Does not contain ranitidine, which was withdrawn from the market in 2019

These factors contribute to PEPCID’s position as a trusted and reliable solution for heartburn relief.

Exploring the Different PEPCID Formulations

PEPCID offers a range of products to cater to different needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at the various formulations:

PEPCID COMPLETE Chewable Tablets

This dual-action formula combines the acid-reducing power of famotidine with the instant neutralizing effect of antacids. It starts working in seconds and provides long-lasting relief.

Original Strength PEPCID AC Tablets

These tablets contain famotidine and are ideal for those with mild to moderate heartburn. They provide relief within 15-30 minutes and can be taken to prevent heartburn before meals.

Maximum Strength PEPCID AC Tablets

For those with more severe or frequent heartburn, these tablets offer a higher dose of famotidine for stronger, longer-lasting relief.

PEPCID COMPLETE ON-THE-GO Chewable Tablets

These portable chewable tablets combine the benefits of PEPCID COMPLETE in a convenient, travel-friendly format.

Safety and Efficacy: Is PEPCID Right for You?

PEPCID has been proven safe and effective for over 35 years when used as directed. However, it’s important to consider a few factors when determining if PEPCID is the right choice for your heartburn relief needs:

• Frequency of heartburn: If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, consult a healthcare professional.
• Severity of symptoms: For severe or persistent symptoms, medical advice should be sought.
• Underlying conditions: Certain medical conditions may affect the appropriateness of PEPCID use.
• Interactions with other medications: Always consult with a healthcare provider about potential drug interactions.

While PEPCID is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects. Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, or constipation. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Maximizing the Benefits of PEPCID: Usage Tips and Best Practices

To get the most out of your PEPCID treatment, consider the following tips:

1. Follow the recommended dosage instructions carefully.
2. For prevention, take PEPCID 15-60 minutes before consuming foods that typically trigger your heartburn.
3. Avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
4. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to minimize heartburn triggers.
5. Keep a symptom diary to track the effectiveness of PEPCID and identify any patterns in your heartburn occurrences.

By following these guidelines, you can optimize the effectiveness of PEPCID in managing your heartburn symptoms.

Beyond Medication: Lifestyle Changes to Complement PEPCID Treatment

While PEPCID can provide effective relief from heartburn, combining medication with lifestyle modifications can lead to even better results. Consider incorporating the following changes:

• Identify and avoid trigger foods: Common culprits include spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals: This can help reduce the amount of acid your stomach needs to produce.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux.
• Elevate the head of your bed: This can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep.
• Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate heartburn symptoms, so finding effective stress-management techniques is crucial.

By combining PEPCID with these lifestyle changes, you can create a comprehensive approach to managing your heartburn and improving your overall digestive health.

In conclusion, PEPCID offers a reliable, fast-acting, and long-lasting solution for heartburn relief. Its range of products caters to various needs, from occasional mild heartburn to more frequent, severe symptoms. With its strong backing from healthcare professionals and decades of clinical research, PEPCID stands out as a trusted choice in the world of OTC heartburn medications. However, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare provider for persistent or severe symptoms and to ensure that PEPCID is the right choice for your individual health needs.

How PEPCID® Compares to Other OTC Heartburn Medications

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Compare PEPCID® To Other OTC Heartburn Medicines

Why Choose PEPCID®

PEPCID® is an h3 blocker that provides relief for occasional heartburn in just 15-30 minutes and helps control acid all day or all night. * As the #1 doctor recommended and #1 selling brand for preventing and relieve heartburn fast, PEPCID® products contain the active ingredient famotidine, an h3 blocker that helps relieve heartburn by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. For 35 years backed by 50+ clinical studies, PEPCID® has provided safe and effective heartburn relief when used as directed. Learn more about PEPCID®.

PEPCID® is an FDA approved, safe and effective remedy to relieve symptoms of occasional heartburn when used as directed.

*Based on 9-hour acid control studies during the day and 12-hour acid control studies during the night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.

PEPCID® provides fast heartburn relief in minutes and lasts all day*. Learn more about the PEPCID® money back guarantee and find the details about our policy here.

* Starts to relieve heartburn in 15-30 minutes. Based on 8 hours of symptom relief studies during the day.

¹Starts to relieve heartburn in 15-30 minutes.

²Based on 9 hour acid control studies during the day and 12 hour acid control studies at night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.

³Prevents heartburn if taken 10-60 minutes before a meal.

⁴Starts to neutralize acid on contact.

⁵Prevents heartburn if taken 15-60 minutes before a meal.

Third party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

Our Heartburn Relief Products

PEPCID COMPLETE® Chewable Tablet with Famotidine & Antacids

Original Strength PEPCID AC® Tablets with Famotidine

Maximum Strength PEPCID AC® Tablets with Famotidine

PEPCID COMPLETE® ON-THE-GO Chewable Tablet with Famotidine & Antacids

See Why PEPCID® Could Work for You

h3 Blocker vs. Antacid vs. PPI

Better understand the types of heartburn treatments and determine which is right for your symptoms.

What Is PEPCID®?

Better understand the types of heartburn treatments and determine which is right for your symptoms.

WHAT IS PEPCID®? | PEPCID®

PEPCID® is the original brand with the active ingredient famotidine which is a histamine-2 blocker (h3 blocker) that provides relief for occasional heartburn.

PEPCID® Is The #1 Doctor And Pharmacist Recommended Choice

BY DOCTORS
IQVIA Survey 2021

BY GASTROENTEROLOGISTS
IQVIA Survey 2021

BY PHARMACISTS
U.S. News Survey 2021

PEPCID® is the #1 Doctor Recommended OTC Acid Reducer Brand for many reasons:

• It provides fast heartburn relief:
  • Original and Maximum Strength PEPCID AC® relieve heartburn in minutes*
  • PEPCID COMPLETE® is a dual-action antacid & acid reducer that starts working in seconds
• It provides long-lasting acid control^†: controls acid all day or all night (for up to 12 hours)
• It can prevent heartburn before it starts^‡
• PEPCID® has been evaluated in 50+ clinical studies and is backed by pioneering research
• The original famotidine brand made available directly to consumers is backed by 35 years of expertise
• It does not contain ranitidine, which FDA had requested manufacturers withdraw from market in 2019

*Begins to work in 15 to 30 minutes.
^†Based on 9-hour acid control studies during the day and 12-hour acid control studies during the night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.
^‡PEPCID AC® and Maximum Strength PEPCID AC® can prevent heartburn when taken 15 to 60 minutes before a meal.

What Is Famotidine?

Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker. It works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces by blocking the histamine receptors in your stomach responsible for triggering acid production.

Is PEPCID® Safe?

PEPCID® is the original famotidine brand and, for 35 years, has been effective and safe acid reducer when used as directed. PEPCID® is clinically proven to provide heartburn relief and is backed by 50+ clinical studies. PEPCID® is the #1 doctor recommended OTC acid reducer brand in the market.

Figure Out Which PEPCID® Product Is Best For You

PEPCID® offers three main products that provide relief of occasional heartburn that you can take whenever you need. Original Strength PEPCID AC® and Maximum Strength PEPCID AC® contain an h3 blocker that begins to work in 15-30 minutes and helps control acid all day or all night.* PEPCID COMPLETE® combines an h3 blocker with an antacid that starts neutralizing acid in your stomach in seconds, so it works even faster. Because the faster it starts relieving heartburn, the better. PEPCID® is an FDA approved, safe and effective remedy to relieve symptoms of occasional heartburn when used as directed.

^*Based on 9-hour acid control studies during the day and 12-hour acid control studies during the night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.

Famotidine 10mg

(Acid Reducer)

Famotidine 20mg

(Acid Reducer)

Famotidine 10mg

(Acid Reducer)

Calcium Carbonate 800mg

(Antacid)

Magnesium Hydroxide 165mg

(Antacid)

Famotidine 10mg

(Acid Reducer)

Calcium Carbonate 800mg

(Antacid)

Magnesium Hydroxide 165mg

(Antacid)

Starts to work in minutes¹

Starts to work in minutes¹

Starts to work in seconds²

Starts to work in seconds²

³

⁴

1 tablet

1 tablet

1 chewable tablet

1 chewable tablet

When you need to prevent and treat heartburn within minutes^{1, 3}

When you need a powerful remedy to prevent and treat tough heartburn symptoms

When you need a dual-action formula that goes further than an antacid alone to provide
quick relief in a flavored chewable tablet

When you need the same quick relief of PEPCID COMPLETE® chewables, but in a
convenient, on-the-go size

Our Heartburn Relief Products

PEPCID COMPLETE® Chewable Tablet with Famotidine & Antacids

Original Strength PEPCID AC® Tablets with Famotidine

Maximum Strength PEPCID AC® Tablets with Famotidine

PEPCID COMPLETE® ON-THE-GO Chewable Tablet with Famotidine & Antacids

SEE WHY PEPCID® COULD WORK FOR YOU

h3 Blocker vs. Antacid vs. PPI

PEPCID® vs. Other OTC Heartburn Medicines

Famotidine: Pediatric Medication | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Pediatric Medicine

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Provided by Lexicomp ^® , this document contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

Trade names: USA

Acid Controller Original Str [OTC] [DSC]; Acid Reducer Maximum Strength [OTC]; Acid Reducer [OTC]; Famotidine Maximum Strength [OTC]; Famotidine Orig St [OTC]; Heartburn Relief Max St [OTC]; Heartburn Relief [OTC]; Pepcid; Pepcid AC Maximum Strength [OTC]

Trade names: Canada

AG-Famotidine; ALTI-Famotidine; C.O. Famotidine; Famotidine Omega W-O Preserve; Famotidine Omega W Preserv; GMD Famotidine; JAMP Famotidine; TEVA-Famotidine

What is this drug used for?

• Used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; acid reflux).
• It is used to treat and prevent ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract.
• It is used to treat heartburn and hyperacidity of the stomach.
• It is used to treat symptoms caused by excessive stomach acid in the body.
• This drug can be given to children for other indications. Consult your doctor.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child has an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and how it manifested itself in the child.
• If your child has any of the following health problems: black or bloody stools; heartburn with dizziness, sweating, dizziness, or wheezing; chest pain; shoulder pain with shortness of breath; pain that radiates to the arm, neck, or shoulders; dizziness; excessive sweating; vomiting blood; difficulty or pain when swallowing food.
• If your child has suffered from heartburn for 3 or more months.
• If your child is taking any of the following drugs: cefditoren, dasatinib, delavirdine, or fosamprenavir.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interact with this drug is not exhaustive.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines your child is taking (prescription and over-the-counter, natural, and vitamins) and any health problems. You need to make sure that this drug is safe to use for your child’s illnesses and in combination with other drugs he or she is already taking. Do not start, stop taking, or change the dosage of any drug your child is taking without the doctor’s approval.

What do I need to know or do while my child is taking this drug?

All forms:

• Tell all health care providers who care for your child that your child is taking this drug. These are your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
• Do not give this drug to your child for longer than the length of time prescribed by the doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, check with their doctor. Patients with kidney disease have experienced hallucinations (visual and auditory images that do not exist in reality), convulsions, agitation, confusion, lethargy, and malaise.
• This drug may prevent other drugs that you take by mouth from getting into your body. If your child is taking other medicines, you may need to give them at a different time than this drug. Consult your doctor.

If your daughter is pregnant or breastfeeding:

• Consult physician if your daughter is pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for your daughter and her baby will need to be discussed.

Injection:

• Some preparations contain benzyl alcohol. These drugs should not be given to newborns or infants. If you want to know if this medicine contains benzyl alcohol, ask your doctor.

What side effects should I report to my child’s doctor right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Although rare, some people may have very serious and sometimes deadly side effects from this drug. Call your child’s doctor right away or get medical help if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that could be associated with a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Increased or abnormal heart rhythm.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any drug can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your child’s doctor or seek medical attention if any of these or other side effects bother your child or if they persist:

• Headache.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, ask your child’s doctor. Talk to your child’s doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

What is the best way to give this drug?

Give this drug to your child as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

All oral preparations:

• Give this drug with or without food.
• Talk to your doctor before giving your child antacids with this drug.

Tablets:

• Do not chew this medicine.
• To prevent heartburn, give this drug to your child before eating food or drinks that cause heartburn. Give as directed by your doctor or as directed on the label.

Chewable:

• Make sure that the child carefully chews the drug, or grind it. Make sure that the child does not swallow the drug whole.

Liquid (suspension):

• Shake well before use.
• Liquid doses should be measured with caution. Use the dispenser that comes with the medicine. If the dispenser is not provided in the package, ask the pharmacist for a dosing agent for this drug.

Injection:

• For intravenous injections.

What if my child misses a dose of medication?

All oral preparations:

• Give the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is time for your child to take the next dose, do not take the missed dose and then go back to your child’s normal schedule.
• Do not give a double dose at the same time or additional doses.
• In most cases, this drug is used as needed. Do not give your child the drug more often than prescribed by the doctor.

Injection:

• Contact your child’s doctor to find out the next steps.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

All oral preparations:

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.

Liquid (suspension):

• Throw away any unused servings after 1 month.

Injection:

• If you need to store this drug at home, check with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All forms:

• Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about medicines

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not improve, or worsen, contact your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s medicine with others and do not give anyone else’s medicine to your child.
• Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
• If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for a particular patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim any warranties or liabilities related to this information or its use. The use of this information is subject to the Terms of Use found at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last revision date

2023-01-25

Copyright

© UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors, 2023. All rights reserved.

Date last updated

Monday, December 12, 2022

than to replace domestic tablets in the USA

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It is difficult to predict when and in what country another illness will knock you down. So that when you find yourself in a pharmacy in the States, you are not at a loss and among dozens of little-known names you find your “miraculous pill”, we have prepared a material about American analogues of domestic drugs

Medicines in the US

In the US, many medicines are sold only with a prescription (antibiotics, blood pressure, asthma, etc.). You can get it by making an appointment with an American doctor. But there are also drugs that can be purchased without a prescription. These medications are usually easiest to find in pharmacies, which are located in large supermarkets like Walgreens and Walmart.

Fervex, Theraflu, Coldflu and others

Without a prescription, colds in America are treated with all sorts of fortified powders (necessarily with some sweet pleasant taste – raspberries, oranges, etc.), which must be diluted in water. But it is still possible to find analogues of our Fervex, Coldrex and Teraflu. To begin with, you don’t have to look for an alternative to the latter at all – on the shelves you can find the American variation of Teraflu with similar properties and composition. Also popular is Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil. These are two bottles that are sold together: one for taking during the day, the other for taking at night. Helps with coughs, runny nose, chills, headaches and other cold symptoms.

Bromhexine

The most common alternative to Bromhexine is the American drugs Mucinex and Tussin. They both have an expectorant mucolytic effect and are available without a prescription. Tussin is inexpensive and easy to find at 99 Cents stores. If you have bronchitis or something worse, then you should see a doctor, more powerful drugs require a prescription.

Pinosol

Instead of Pinosol nasal drops, you can use American drugs like Afrin (Afrin). It is indicated for use in rhinitis (including allergic) and sinusitis. Sold without a prescription in the form of drops and spray.

Photo: shutterstock

Strepsils

For sore throats, American Cepacol tablets will help instead of Strepsils, although they cannot be called tasty (despite the tendency of Americans to flavor everything). They are in many stores. Released without a prescription.

Activated carbon

The first thing we have been taught to remember when we have food poisoning and other digestive disorders is charcoal. Remember this magic formula – one tablet per 10 kg of weight? Activated charcoal in America is commonly sold in vitamin stores and is called Activated Charcoal Tablets. Released without a prescription. But Americans often use various sorbents in such cases (peroral sorbents / enterosorbenst).

Photo: shutterstock

Imodium

For intestinal disorders, American drugs such as Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate and Imodium itself (yes, it is also here) will help. Pepto-Bismol, for example, is produced by the American company Procter and Gamble, is sold only in the United States and Canada and is great for fighting diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, indigestion and nausea.

Rennie, Gastal

Popular medicines in the US for heartburn are Tums, Mylanta, Pepcid AC, Maalox and others. Most of them are delicious sweet pills. Released without a prescription.

Mezim

Owners of chronic gastritis and pancreatitis instead of Mezim in the States need to look for packages of tablets labeled Pancreatin. As a matter of fact, this is the same medicine, just with its international name. Released without a prescription.

Paracetamol, ibuprofen

No matter what hurts – a tooth or a head – we are used to rummaging through our purse in search of paracetamol. The tablets in the USA, of which it is the active ingredient, are Tylenol. The active ingredient ibuprofen is in Advil tablets. Both of these drugs are available without a prescription.

Suprastin, Claritin

The antihistamines Suprastin and Claritin can be replaced with drugs such as Nasalcrom, Chlor-Trimeton, Actifed, Sudafed, Benadryl, Drixoral, etc. There is even a local Claritin on store shelves. All of these drugs can be purchased without a prescription.