How to Take Pepcid With Proton Pump Inhibitors

Famotidine, the drug found in Pepcid is and H2 blocker used to treat problems with the esophagus, intestines and stomach. It blocks histamine levels to slow acid production. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid production in a different by blocking an enzyme found in the stomach wall. Used alone or in combination, these two drugs provide an answer for many who suffer heartburn.

Things You'll Need

• Pepcid
• PPI (like Prilosec)
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Speak with a physician before beginning any acid-reduction medication. He can advise the best course of action based on your specific diagnosis and health condition. Medication may be prescribed either short- or long-term and could either be prescription strength or over-the-counter.

• 2

  Obtain the medication prescribed. Do not alter doctor recommendations except with regard to using generic or brand names of the drugs involved.

• 3

  Read the drug information provided by your pharmacist with a prescription or the drug instruction sheet provided with an over-the-counter medication. It will outline any potential problem, possible interactions and drug side effects.

• 4

  Take the PPI dose prescribed with an 8-oz. glass of water. Whenever possible, take the drug around the same time daily; about one hour before breakfast is recommended. This will help sustain the drug's effectiveness. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is within the same 24-hour time span.

• 5

  Avoid taking more PPIs than prescribed without your physician's approval. For this type of drug, more is not better. It may, in fact, lead to drug dependence.

• 6

  Take one Pepcid tablet at bedtime with an 8-oz. glass of water. If you are using the chewable version instead, be sure to chew it completely. If you are using the liquid form, shake the bottle thoroughly before dispensing the dose. In the two latter instances avoid liquid intake for at least 30 minutes.

• 7

  Reject the impulse to take Pepcid other than as outlined in Step 6. When famotidine is used to supplement a PPI, it should only being taken as prescribed. Otherwise, it could inhibit the effectiveness of both medications or leave the stomach with insufficient acid amounts to digest food properly.

• 8

  Contact a physician immediately if the medications taken do not sufficiently handle the problem for which they were prescribed. Another course of action may be required.