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Pepcid Dosage

Generic name: FAMOTIDINE 20mg
Dosage form: tablet, film coated
Drug class: H2 antagonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 23, 2023.

Recommended Dosage

Table 1 shows the recommended dosage of PEPCID 20 mg and 40 mg tablets in adult and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg and greater with normal renal function. The use of PEPCID 20 mg and 40 mg tablets is not recommended in pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg because the lowest available strength (20 mg) exceeds the recommended dose for these patients. Use another famotidine formulation for pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg.

Table 1: Recommended Dosage and Duration of PEPCID Tablets in Adult and Pediatric Patients 40 kg and Greater with Normal Renal Function
*
Both dosages demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14)].
†
In clinical trials, the majority of patients healed within 4 weeks. For patients who do not heal after 4 weeks, consider an additional 2 to 4 weeks of treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
‡
Longer treatment durations have not been studied in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2, 14.3)].
§
In pediatric patients, the safety and effectiveness of PEPCID have not been established for the reduction of the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence or for treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Indication

Recommended Dosage

Recommended Duration

Active duodenal ulcer (DU)

40 mg once daily; or 20 mg twice daily*

Up to 8 weeks†‡

Active gastric ulcer

40 mg once daily

Up to 8 weeks‡

Symptomatic nonerosive GERD

20 mg twice daily

Up to 6 weeks‡

Erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopy

20 mg twice daily; or 40 mg twice daily

Up to 12 weeks

Pathological hypersecretory conditions§

Starting dosage: 20 mg every 6 hours; adjust dosage to individual patient needs

Maximum dosage 160 mg every 6 hours

As clinically indicated

Reduction of the risk of DU recurrence§

20 mg once daily

1 year or as clinically indicated

Dosage in Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustments of PEPCID are recommended for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. Table 2 shows the recommended maximum dosage of PEPCID 20 mg or 40 mg tablets for patients with renal impairment, by indication. Use the lowest effective dose. Some dosage adjustments may require switching to other formulations of famotidine (e.g., oral suspension, lower dose tablet).

Table 2: Recommended Maximum Dosage of PEPCID Tablets in Adult and Pediatric Patients 40 kg and Greater with Moderate and Severe Renal Impairment
*
An alternate dosage regimen is 10 mg once daily. Since 20 mg or 40 mg tablet strength cannot be used for this dosage regimen, use an alternate famotidine formulation.
†
Dosage adjustments for renal impairment are provided for both dosing regimens (20 mg twice daily and 40 mg twice daily) which showed effectiveness for the treatment of erosive esophagitis in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
‡
In pediatric patients, the safety and effectiveness of PEPCID have not been established for the reduction of the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence or for treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
§
Doses required to treat pathological hypersecretory conditions may exceed the maximum doses evaluated in patients with impaired renal function. The risk for increased adverse reactions in renally impaired patients treated with PEPCID for pathological hypersecretory conditions is unknown.
Recommended dosage regimen is 10 mg every other day. Since 20 mg or 40 mg strength cannot be used for this dosage regimen, use an alternate famotidine formulation.

Indication

Recommended Maximum Dosages

Creatinine clearance 30 to 60 mL/minute

Creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute

Active duodenal ulcer (DU)

20 mg once daily; or 40 mg every other day

20 mg every other day*

Active gastric ulcer

20 mg once daily; or 40 mg every other day

20 mg every other day*

Symptomatic nonerosive GERD

20 mg once daily

20 mg every other day*

Erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopy†

20 mg once daily; or 40 mg every other day

20 mg every other day*†

40 mg once daily†

20 mg once daily†

Pathological hypersecretory conditions‡

Avoid use§

Reduction of the risk of DU reccurrence‡

20 mg every other day*

(see footnote)

Administration Instructions

•
Take PEPCID once daily before bedtime or twice daily in the morning and before bedtime, as recommended.
•
PEPCID may be taken with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

PEPCID may be given with antacids.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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