Famotidine, Calcium Carbonate, and Magnesium Hydroxide



PepcidŽ Complete [OTC]







Famotidine, Calcium Carbonate, and Magnesium Hydroxide

(fa MOE ti deen, KAL see um KAR bun ate, & mag NEE zhum hye DROKS ide)

U.S. Brand Names
PepcidŽ Complete [OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
PepcidŽ Complete [OTC]
Pharmacologic Category
Antacid; Histamine H
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to famotidine, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Appendicitis, colostomy, high calcium levels, ileostomy, intestinal blockage, kidney failure, kidney stones, low phosphate levels, or severe constipation.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat heartburn.
How does it work?
  • Famotidine prevents symptoms and damage to the gastrointestinal tract caused by stomach acid or infection.
  • Calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide prevent symptoms and damage caused by stomach acid.
How is it best taken?
  • Do not take more than 2 tablets a day.
  • Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • This medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 12 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take this medicine with other medicines for acid indigestion.
  • Avoid foods that worsen your heartburn.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • If you need to use this medicine longer than 14 days in a row.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: