Pepcid two (Famotidine, Magnesium Hydroxide, Calcium Carbonate)

Pepcid two. Famotidine, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate

What the medicine is for

Pepcidtwo chewable tablets is a medicine which is used to provide fast and long-lasting (up to 12 hours) relief from heartburn, indigestion and excess acid. The tablets contain antacids (calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide) to neutralise acid, as well as famotidine which belongs to a group of medicines known as H2 blockers that help balance the amount of acid produced.

This medicine is for use in adults and children aged 16 years and over.

Before taking this medicine

This medicine is suitable for most adults and children aged 16 years and over, but a few people should not use it. If you are in any doubt, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take this medicine

• If you have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If any of these apply to you, get advice from a doctor or pharmacist without taking Pepcidtwo chewable tablets.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine…

• If you have difficulty swallowing or persistent stomach pains.
• If you have lost weight without trying to whilst suffering from indigestion.
• If you are over 45 and have indigestion for the first time, or your symptoms have recently changed.
• If you have any other illness.
• If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars.
• If you are taking any other medicines including:

 – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) painkillers.

• If you are not sure about any of the medicines you are taking, show the bottle or pack to your pharmacist.
• If any of these bullet points apply to you now or in the past, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about a suitable treatment.

Some of the ingredients can cause problems

Pepcid two chewable tablets contain sucrose, glucose and lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

This medicinal product contains small amounts of ethanol (alcohol) less than 100 mg per dose.

How to take this medicine

Check the table below to see how much medicine to take.

For oral use only.

Do not use more than the stated dose shown in the table.

Children under 16 years

This medicine is not recommended for children under 16 years old.

Adults and children aged 16 years and over

Age                                                       Dose
Adults and children aged                         16years and over	Chew one tablet to relieve your symptoms. Repeat the dose ifsymptoms return.

Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.

If you are over 45 and have indigestion for the first time or your symptoms have recently changed you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.

If your symptoms get worse, come back, or the tablets have no effect, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If symptoms persist for more than 6 days talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should not keep treating yourself with these tablets without taking advice, as it may be a sign that you have a different medical condition.

If anyone takes too much of this medicine

If anyone takes too many Pepcid two chewable tablets, contact your doctor or nearest Accident and Emergency department (Casualty) taking this leaflet with you.

If you forget to take the medicine

You should only take this medicine as required following the dosage instructions above carefully. If you forget to take a dose, take the next dose when needed provided that you only take a maximum of 2 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take a double dose.

Possible side-effects

Pepcidtwo chewable tablets can have side-effects, like all medicines, although these don’t affect everyone and are usually mild.

If you experience any of the following, stop using the medicine and seek immediate medical help:

• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, shortness of breath or swollen face.
• Fits or numbness.
• If you experience any of the following, stop using the medicine and talk to your doctor:
• Itchiness, hives or swelling.
• Yellowing of the eye and or skin jaundice), which may be a sign of liver problems.
• Unexplained bruising, bleeding or getting more infections, which may be due to lowering of blood cell counts.
• Vomiting or stomach pain.
• Other effects which may occur include:
• Common effects include headache, nausea and diarrhoea.
• Constipation, bloating, burping, wind or indigestion.
• Dizziness, dry mouth, thirst or changes in taste.
• Nervousness.
• Tiredness.
• Loss of appetite (anorexia).
• Joint pain.
• Increased breast size in men.
• Changes in stool frequency and consistency.
• Liver enzyme abnormalities or worsening liver disease.

If you experience any side-effects not included in this leaflet or are not sure about anything, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Storing this medicine

Keep the product out of the reach and sight of children.

There are no special storage conditions.

Do not use your medicine after the end of the month shown as the expiry date on the packaging.

Further information

What’s in this medicine?

The active ingredients in Pepcidtwo chewable tablets are: Calcium carbonate 800 mg, Magnesium hydroxide 165 mg and Famotidine 10 mg.

Other ingredients are: Pregelatinised maize starch, sodium lauryl sulphate, dextrates, confectioner’s sugar (sucrose and maize starch), lactose monohydrate, cellulose acetate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose (E464), hydroxypropyl cellulose (E463), peppermint flavour (peppermint oil, modified food starch, maltodextrine, citric acid (E330), sodium ascorbate (E301), water), cream flavour (sweet orange oils, ethanol, esters of acetic and butanoic acids, aliphatic alcohols and ketones, phenols, aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes, benzaldehyde, dextrin, maltodextrine, glucose, corn starch, calcium silicate, powdered vanilla extract, heliotropine, vanillin, silicone dioxide, water), red ferric oxide (E172).

What the medicine looks like

Pepcidtwo chewable tablets are rose coloured, round, flat chewable tablets. They are available in packs of 6 or 12 tablets.

What you can do to help stop these symptoms

Heartburn and indigestion symptoms can be caused or aggravated by:

1. Eating late in the evening.
2. Overeating, or very large meals.
3. Bending or stooping soon after eating.
4. Exercise immediately after eating.
5. Pressure on the stomach, e.g. tight fitting clothing.
6. Try to lose excess weight as the pressure it causes on the stomach can produce heartburn.
7. Try to cut down or stop smoking. Smoking can make the muscles at the entrance to the stomach relax, which can cause heartburn.