FAMOTIDINE/CALCIUM CARBONATE/MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE - CHEWABLE
Common Brand Name(s): Pepcid Complete
Phonetic Pronunciation: (fam-OH-tih-dine/KAL-see-um KAR-buh-nate/mag-NEE-zee-um)
Information last revised May 2010
What does FAMOT/CALCIUM CARB/MAGNES ORAL look like?
Pepcid Complete 10 mg-800 mg-165 mg Chewable Tab
Uses:
This combination of three medications is used to treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach (acid indigestion). Famotidine is a drug that blocks acid release in the stomach and can help stop heartburn and acid indigestion from coming back. Calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide are antacids that work quickly to lower acid in the stomach and stop heartburn.
How To Use
Chew one tablet completely and swallow as needed to stop/prevent the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion, or take as directed by your doctor. Do not swallow the tablets whole. Do not take more than 2 tablets within 24 hours. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This product contains an antacid which may react with other medications, preventing them from being fully absorbed by your body. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to schedule your medications to prevent this problem. Stop taking this medication and call your doctor promptly if your symptoms continue after you begin taking it, or if they do not improve after you have been taking this medication for 14 days in a row. Do not take this medicine for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
If you are taking this medication under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: amphetamines, atazanavir, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), dasatinib, tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), thyroid medicine (e.g., levothyroxine), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), quinidine, delavirdine, digoxin, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, phosphate supplements (e.g., potassium phosphate). Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) that can cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication and similar acid blockers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine) are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Do not take them at the same time. Consult your pharmacist. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (e.g., avoiding caffeine, certain spices) may increase the effectiveness of this medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Precautions
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to famotidine; or to other acid blockers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine); or to other antacids containing calcium/magnesium; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: kidney problems, liver problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors). Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), heartburn for longer than 3 months, heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, nausea/vomiting, pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders, persistent stomach pain, black stools, difficult/painful swallowing, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, unexplained weight loss. Do not use this medication in children younger than 12 unless directed by the doctor. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68-86 degrees F (20-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Diarrhea, headache, constipation, or stomach cramps may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), mental/mood changes (e.g., restlessness, confusion, depression, hallucinations), seizure. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.