Pepcid Side Effects

Generic name: famotidine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 22, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Pepcid Side Effects associated with famotidine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Pepcid.

Applies to famotidine: oral powder for suspension, oral tablet.

Common side effects of Pepcid

Some side effects of famotidine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• difficulty having a bowel movement

Rare

• bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• bone or muscle pain
• change in taste
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• difficulty in moving
• dry mouth
• dry skin
• feeling of warmth
• hearing loss
• inability to have or keep an erection
• lack or loss of strength
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• muscle pain or stiffness
• redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
• redness of the white part of the eyes
• stomach discomfort
• unusual drowsiness

Serious side effects of Pepcid

Along with its needed effects, famotidine (the active ingredient contained in Pepcid) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking famotidine:

Rare

• anxiety
• bleeding gums
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• blood in the urine or stools
• bloody, black, or tarry stools
• cough
• difficulty breathing
• discouragement
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling sad or empty
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• noisy breathing
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• seizures
• swelling around the eyes
• tightness in the chest
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Incidence not known

• agitation
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chest pain
• chills
• clay-colored stools
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness or fainting
• fever
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• headache
• high fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• hoarseness
• joint or muscle pain
• large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• light-colored stools
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• stomach pain
• swollen glands
• unpleasant breath odor
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• upper right abdominal pain
• vomiting of blood
• yellow eyes or skin

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to famotidine: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating.

General

The most commonly reported side effects include headache, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, diarrhea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nausea, vomiting, flatulence, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort or distension^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Paresthesia, somnolence, epileptic seizures, convulsion
• Frequency not reported: Grand mal seizure, taste disorder^[Ref]

Convulsions occurred in patients with renal dysfunction.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, pruritus
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Urticaria, angioneurotic edema
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Alopecia, severe skin reactions, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, epidermal necrolysis
• Frequency not reported: Acne, dry skin, flushing^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue
• Frequency not reported: Asthenia, fatigue, facial/orbital edema, tinnitus^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Loss of appetite
• Frequency not reported: Anorexia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia
• Frequency not reported: Neutropenia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Intrahepatic cholestasis, jaundice, increased liver enzyme abnormalities (transaminases, gamma GT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin)
• Frequency not reported: Cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bronchospasm
• Frequency not reported: Interstitial pneumonia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Arthralgia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Muscle cramps
• Frequency not reported: Rhabdomyolysis, musculoskeletal pain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hallucinations, disorientation, confusion, anxiety, agitation, depression, reduced libido, insomnia
• Frequency not reported: Psychic disturbances^[Ref]

When patients obtained follow-up, psychic disturbances were found to be reversible.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Chest tightness, prolonged QT interval
• Frequency not reported: Arrhythmia, atrioventricular block, palpitation^[Ref]

QT interval prolongation occurred in patients with renal dysfunction.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Impotence^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Conjunctival injection^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Is famotidine safer than omeprazole for heartburn?
• Can you take famotidine long term?
• Can I take omeprazole in the morning and famotidine at night?

Further information

Pepcid side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer