Famotidine

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 27, 2022

Common Questions


Common Questions about famotidine (Pepcid AC)


Is famotidine the same as Zantac?

No, famotidine is an H2 blocker that is available under the brand name Pepcid AC. Zantac was an over-the-counter H2 blocker that contained ranitidine, a drug that is similar to famotidine. However, in 2020, the FDA recalled Zantac because it contained a chemical that could potentially increase cancer risk. In 2021, Zantac was relaunched as Zantac 360, which contains famotidine instead of ranitidine.



What is the best time to take famotidine?

Prescription famotidine is usually taken once daily at bedtime or twice a day, morning and night. You can take famotidine with or without food. However, if you are using OTC famotidine to prevent heartburn, take it 15 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking foods and drinks that cause sour stomach and acid indigestion.



Is it ok to take famotidine every day?

You can take over-the-counter (OTC) famotidine one tablet by mouth every day to prevent or treat heartburn. However, do not take more than two tablets of famotidine in 24 hours. Also, do not take OTC famotidine for longer than 14 days without talking to your doctor. 



Can famotidine make you sleepy?

Drowsiness is not a usual side effect of famotidine. Contact your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms.



Can you take famotidine (Pepcid AC) and Tums together?

It is generally safe to take Pepcid AC and Tums together. However, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medications together. 



What is the price of famotidine without insurance? 

Without insurance, famotidine (Pepcid AC) can be as high as $116.33, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $11 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price and enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions of famotidine like Pepcid AC. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of famotidine with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on famotidine—copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for famotidine. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.