Pepcid Dosage

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

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 1, 2024.

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
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 weeksc
Symptomatic nonerosive GERD	20 mg twice daily	Up to 6 weeksc
Erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopy	20 mg twice daily; or 40 mg twice dailya	Up to 12 weeks
Pathological hypersecretory conditionsd	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 recurrenced	20 mg once daily	1 yearc 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). 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
Indication	Recommended Maximum Dosages
Indication	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 daya
Symptomatic nonerosive GERD	20 mg once daily	20 mg every other daya
Erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopyb	20 mg once daily; or 40 mg every other day	20 mg every other daya,b
Erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopyb	40 mg once dailyb	20 mg once dailyb
Pathological hypersecretory conditionsc	Avoid used
Reduction of the risk of DU recurrencec	20 mg every other daya	(see footnote)e

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.
•: PEPCID may be given with antacids.