Pepcid is a popular ulcer drug similar in many respects to Tagamet or
Zantac.
It works by suppressing the secretion of stomach acid, so it is
also used to treat conditions of abnormal acidity as well as helping ulcers
clear up rapidly.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Pepcid as maintenance
therapy to keep ulcers from coming back.
Side effects associated with Pepcid are
uncommon. Some people may experience headache, constipation, diarrhea, and
dizziness.
Other reactions that have occasionally been reported include
insomnia, fever, fatigue, jaundice, nausea, drowsiness, breathing difficulties,
hair loss, palpitations and ringing in the ears.
Older patients may
experience mental confusion or even hallucinations. Report any symptoms to your
physician promptly.
According to the manufacturer, there are no
significant drug interactions between Pepcid and other medications.
Nevertheless, it is theoretically possible that Pepcid could diminish the
effectiveness of the antifungal agent Nizoral.
It is probably a good idea
to check with your physician or pharmacist to make sure Pepcid will be safe in
combination with other medications you may be taking.
Perhaps because Pepcid is so effective at reducing stomach acid concentrations, patients taking this medicine have higher levels of certain microorganisms in their stomachs than would normally survive there.
Scientists do not yet know whether these bacteria have negative long-term consequences, but it has been suggested that vitamins C and E might provide a measure of protection.
Pepcid may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
If antacids are needed for relief
of ulcer pain, they should generally be taken at a different time.