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Pepcid |
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What is Pepcid and why is it prescribed? Pepcid is prescribed for the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer for 4 to 8 weeks and for active, benign gastric ulcer for 6 to 8 weeks. It is prescribed for maintenance therapy, at reduced dosage, after a duodenal ulcer has healed. Pepcid is also used for short-term treatment of GERD and for resulting inflammation of the esophagus. And it is prescribed for certain diseases that cause the stomach to produce excessive quantities of acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. To cure your ulcer, you need to take Pepcid for the full time of treatment your doctor prescribes. Keep taking Pepcid even if you begin to feel better. How should you take Pepcid? Follow your doctors directions for taking Pepcid. It may take several days for Pepcid to begin relieving stomach pain. You can use antacids for the pain at the same time you take Pepcid. If you are taking Pepcid suspension, shake it vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds before use. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Pepcid at room temperature in a dry place. Protect the suspension from freezing, and discard any unused portion after 30 days. Are there any Pepcid side effects? Pepcid side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The most common Pepcid side effect is headache. Less common or rare Pepcid side effects may include abdominal discomfort, acne, agitation, altered taste, anxiety, breast development in males, changes in behavior, confusion, constipation, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin, facial swelling due to fluid retention, fatigue, fever, flushing, grand mal seizures, hair loss, hallucinations, hives, impotence, irregular heartbeat, itching, loss of appetite, muscle, bone, or joint pain, nausea, pounding heartbeat, prickling, tingling, or pins and needles, rash, ringing in ears, severe allergic reaction, sleepiness, vomiting, weakness, wheezing, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Pepcid? If Pepcid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Pepcid with Itraconazole (Sporanox) or Ketoconazole (Nizoral). Are there any special warnings about Pepcid? If you have stomach cancer, Pepcid may relieve the symptoms without curing the disease. Your doctor will be careful to rule out this possibility. Use Pepcid with caution if you have severe kidney disease. Although heartburn and acid indigestion are common, see your doctor if you have trouble swallowing or abdominal pain that does not let up. If you have a condition known as phenylkentonuria, be aware that Pepcid orally disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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