Pepcid Generic

        Pepcid is a blocker of H2-histamine receptors. It suppresses basal production of gastric HCl as well as one stimulated by histamine, gastrin and acetylcholine. Simultaneously with the decrease of HCl activity of pepsin also diminishes. Pepcid strengthens protective mechanisms of the stomach mucous layer due to stimulation of mucous production rich in glycoproteins. Other H2 blockers are cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and nizatidine (Axid). Pepcid is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcer, hyperacidity of gastric juice, heartburn (associated with excessive acidity of gastric juice), symptomatic gastrointestinal ulcers and ones cased by stress, erosive reflux esophagitis, gastropathy caused by treatment with anti-inflammatory non-steroid medications, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

        The recommended dose of Pepcid for treatment of duodenal ulcers is 40 mg once daily at bedtime or 20 mg twice daily. Usually, it takes about 4 hours to treat ulcers. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your physician. Do not exceed the administered amount of the medication. Chew the tablet of Pepcid before to swallow it. Shake the liquid before to eat your meal after 10-20 seconds and measure it with a special spoon.

        You should not take Pepcid if you are allergic to it and other H2 blockers. Notify your doctor if you suffer from kidney or liver disease, stomach cancer or other problems, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other breathing problems, pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding. You may need to interrupt your treatment with Pepcid. Avoid drinking alcohol beverages.

        Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, breastfeeding. Cautiousness should be experienced in patients with liver or kidney failure, cirrhosis, infancy.

Side effects of treatment with Pepcid may include:

• signs of allergy constipation,

• diarrhoea, fatigue,

• headache, 

• insomnia, 

• muscle pain, 

• nausea, and vomiting. 

• agitation, 

• anaemia,

• confusion, 

• depression, 

• easy bruising or bleeding, 

• hallucinations, 

• hair loss, 

• irregular heartbeat, 

• rash, 

• visual changes, and jaundice.

        Pepcid decreases metabolism of phenazone, aminophenazone, diazepam, hexobarbital, propanolol, lidocaine, phenytoin, aminophylline, the pilin, indirect anticoagulants, tricyclic antidepressants and some other medications in the liver. Pepcid increases absorption of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Antacids and sucralfate slow its absorption. Pepcid decreases absorption of itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral).

        If you missed a dose take it the soonest. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip it and return to your regular dosage schedule. Never double dose this medication to compensate for the missed dose.

        If overdose of Pepcid was taken the following symptoms occur: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, fast heart rate, or fainting. If you suppose that took too much of the drug to inform your doctor about it as you may need immediate medical help.