Pepcid 20mg

Forms and dosages

Pepcid is administered orally once or twice daily, with or without food. According to the prescribing information, the usual adult dose for heartburn is 10mg or 20mg taken before meals or symptoms (over the counter) and 20-40mg twice daily for peptic ulcer or GORD (with prescription). Higher doses up to 160mg every 6 hours are used in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Substantial dose reduction is required in renal impairment.

Indications

Pepcid is approved in adults and children for short-term treatment of active duodenal and gastric ulcer, maintenance therapy of duodenal ulcer, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other hypersecretory conditions. It is also used for occasional heartburn and dyspepsia in over-the-counter formulations. According to clinical guidelines, proton pump inhibitors are generally preferred for chronic GORD, while Pepcid remains useful for episodic symptoms.