Pros & Cons
What are the pros and cons of famotidine (Pepcid AC)?
- Famotidine is available as an over-the-counter drug for quick relief from heartburn symptoms. It can also be used to prevent heartburn from eating or drinking certain foods and drinks.
- This medicine is usually well-tolerated and does not cause many side effects.
- It is available as an oral suspension (liquid) for people who find it hard to swallow tablets and capsules.
- Unlike other acid-lowering drugs like proton pump inhibitors which need to be taken on an empty stomach, you can take famotidine with or without food.
- Famotidine works more slowly than some other antacids like Maalox, Rolaids, and Tums.
- This medication may not be suitable for people with impaired kidney function.
- People over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of experiencing famotidine side effects.
- Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole have been found to be more effective in healing and preventing ulcers compared to famotidine.
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