For many heartburn sufferers the name Pepcid or Pepcid AC is well known. Pepcid AC is an antacid tablet that is used to relieve the pain of heartburn. The chemical drug name of Pepcid AC is Famotidine.
When to use Pepcid AC?
Pepcid AC belongs to a group of drugs that are known as Histamine blockers, or H2 blockers, and is an over the counter heartburn drug that is used mainly to relieve and prevent future heartburn, acid indigestion and a sour stomach.
Usually Pepcid AC is taken as a short term treatment of an active duodenal ulcer. This is an ulcer that is found in the upper intestines. Usually the period of treatment is about 4 to 8 weeks. For a gastric ulcer that is benign (not harmful) yet active the time length is 6 to 8 weeks.
Furthermore, Pepcid AC is also recommended for people who suffer from GERD. GERD is a severe condition where the esophagus has become highly inflamed due to frequent acid reflux entering the esophagus.
You might however be dissappointed by Pepcid AC if you expec that this acid reflux medication stops your heartburn problems immediately. It will take at least several days for the medicine to take effect.
While you are using Pepcid AC, other antacids maybe used at the same time. There is a course of treatment that you need to continue for Pepcid AC to be effective. The way that Pepcid AC should be taken is with water and at least 1 hour before a meal that might cause heartburn. Should you miss a dose and the time is near your next dosage, then you must only take the upcoming one tablet.
You need to take the recommended dose of tablets that your doctor will inform you of. You should not take more than 2 Pepcid AC tablets a day continuously for more than two weeks. This must be understood and followed unless you have other directions from your doctor.
Unluckily the heartburn drug has also side effects. One of the most common ones is headache. There are other side effects that don't happen so often, like acne, breast development in males, depression, sleepiness and others. Pregnant women suffering from heartburn need to understand that the effects of Pepcid AC are not known with regards to pregnancy.
Alternatives to Pepcid AC
In case that a person suffering from heartburn might experience an allergic reaction to Pepcid AC, or a another type of H2 blocker such as Tagamet, Zantac or Axid then you should not take Pepcid AC.
Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced due to this or similar drugs. There might be other heartburn treatment possibilities that your doctor can inform you about.
Like all medications it is best to consult with your doctor before you start using this drug. Your doctor will know if the use of this drug will be of help to you or if using it will cause harm, especially if you are pregnant.