Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Famotidine
Other Names: Equaline Heartburn Prevention Tablets, Leader Acid Reducer Tablets, Pepcid AC Tablets, Pepcid Tablets, Walgreens Acid Controlled Tablets
Drug Class: Histamine-2 Receptor Blockers
Rx Status: Available by prescription and some strengths/formulations are over-the-counter (OTC)
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:
Pronunciation:

What is/are Leader Acid Reducer Tablets? (Back to top)
FAMOTIDINE is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can also relieve heartburn from acid reflux. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney or liver disease
• trouble swallowing
• an unusual or allergic reaction to famotidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you only take this medicine once a day, take it at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• delavirdine
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• agitation, nervousness
• confusion
• hallucinations
• skin rash, itching

• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better or if it gets worse. Finish the full course of tablets prescribed, even if you feel better.

Do not take with aspirin, ibuprofen or other antiinflammatory medicines. These can make your condition worse.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These cause irritation in your stomach and can increase the time it will take for ulcers to heal.

If you need to take an antacid, you should take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after this medicine. This medicine will not be as effective if taken at the same time as an antacid.

If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:January 05, 2006

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