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PEPCID AC® relieves heartburn by controlling the production of excess stomach acid. When taken before you eat, PEPCID AC can actually stop your heartburn before it starts! Or, taken like an antacid, relieves heartburn after it starts. And PEPCID AC® has no drug interaction warnings and has been taken safely with frequently prescribed medications. Here is a list of commonly asked questions about Pepcid AC:
Q: I am currently taking another drug. May I also use PEPCID AC while taking that drug?
• The active ingredient in PEPCID AC has been safely taken with many frequently prescribed medications, including blood thinners (such as warfarin [WAR-far-in]), and medications to treat asthma (such as theophylline [thee-OFF-i-lin]), anxiety (such as diazepam [dye-AZ-e-pam]), and seizures (such as phenytoin [FEN-i-toyn]).
• If you are taking an acid reducing medication (e.g., ZANTAC, TAGAMET, OR AXID), or other gastrointestinal medications such as PRILOSEC, CYTOTEC®, or PREVACID, consult your physician before taking PEPCID AC.
• If you have further questions, we recommend that you contact your physician or pharmacist.
Q: Can I take antacids with PEPCID AC?
• Both antacids and PEPCID AC can be used to treat heartburn, however to prevent heartburn you can take PEPCID AC.
Q: Can I use PEPCID AC while taking over-the-counter pain relievers or vitamins?
• We are not aware of any reports of drug interactions associated with the use of PEPCID AC and over-the-counter pain relievers or vitamins.
• If you have further questions, we recommend that you contact your physician or pharmacist.
Q: Is it harmful to drink alcohol with PEPCID AC?
• The active ingredient in PEPCID AC, famotidine, has not been shown to have a clinical effect on blood alcohol levels.
• Alcohol, however, may stimulate acid secretion, and avoidance of this beverage may help control heartburn and acid indigestion.
Q: Can I take PEPCID AC for my ulcer?
• PEPCID AC is indicated for the treatment and prevention of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. If you have a medical condition other than heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach, we recommend that you consult your physician.
Q: Does the action of PEPCID AC interfere with the normal digestive process, which needs acid to properly digest foods?
• PEPCID AC controls the production of excess stomach acid. It does not eliminate acid production.
• It is normal for the stomach to produce acid, especially after meals. However, acid in the wrong place, or too much acid, can cause burning pain and discomfort that interfere with everyday activities.
Q: Will this product work to coat the stomach if I am taking analgesic pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen?
• PEPCID AC does not act by "coating" the stomach.
• PEPCID AC is not indicated for the prevention of stomach upset or irritation associated with the use of over-the-counter or prescription analgesics.
• PEPCID AC is indicated for the treatment and prevention of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. For these indications, PEPCID AC acts by blocking the histamine stimulation of stomach acid production.
Q: Can I use PEPCID AC if I am pregnant/nursing?
• The package label indicates, "As with any drug, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of a health professional before using this product."
Q: Can I take PEPCID AC if I have a kidney or liver disorder?
• Famotidine, the active ingredient in PEPCID AC, has been administered to patients with renal failure and to patients with liver failure. There is no evidence that famotidine would present a risk when taken according to directions on the package label.
• If you have further questions, we recommend that you contact your physician.
Q: Can PEPCID AC Tablets be cut in half?
• PEPCID AC Tablets are not intended to be cut in half. Tablets that are intended to be cut in half are usually scored. PEPCID AC is not scored.
Q: Is PEPCID AC safe?
• Medical studies have shown that PEPCID AC is safe and well tolerated for heartburn. PEPCID remains available as a prescription product and is being used by millions of patients worldwide.
Q: Does the use of PEPCID AC have the potential to mask more serious gastrointestinal problems?
• In clinical studies of over-the-counter PEPCID AC use, there were no reports of serious gastrointestinal complications.
• Like other over-the-counter medications, including antacids, PEPCID AC contains a warning for patients to contact their physician if symptoms persist.
• As stated on the PEPCID AC package label, "If you have trouble swallowing, or persistent abdominal pain, see your doctor promptly. You may have a serious condition that may need different treatment."
• In addition, the package label states, "Do not take the maximum daily dosage for more than 2 weeks continuously except under the advice and supervision of a physician."
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