Famotidine, also known as Pepcid, can be obtained either via a doctor’s prescription or over the counter. Pepcid helps soothe and treat medical problems associated with stomach and intestinal ulcers. Moreover, they keep intestinal ulcers at bay once they’ve had time to heal. This drug may also be helpful in relieving symptoms related to other stomach and throat conditions. For example, people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or from could find Pepcid to be an effective form of treatment. Recently, Pepcid has gained attention in the media as a treatment for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). According to Jeffrey Mather, a staff member affiliated with Connecticut’s Hartford Hospital, a study involving 83 COVID patients showed a lower death rate after receiving Pepcid. The drug also alleviated symptoms in some COVID patients who were not hospitalized. Although researchers and scientists are currently unsure of what properties Pepcid has to alleviate and treat COVID, it is possible that the answer lies in Pepcid’s classification as a histamine-2 receptor antagonist.
Can Pepcid treat COVID-19?
Doctors currently warn against running out to buy Pepcid just for purposes of COVID treatment, citing the study’s limited scope, small sample size, and observational nature. They caution patients from jumping to conclusions and seeing Pepcid as the magic bullet to curing COVID. Yet, in a world where COVID seems to have no end, Pepcid’s benefits might just offer the right dosage of hope to patients. This is especially the case because Pepcid is a relatively benign medication that patients can reasonably use even without the benefit of a full-blown clinical study.
Who should not take Pepcid?
Yet some patients should stay away from Generic Pepcid, if only for the potentially dangerous side effects. For example, those with a history of kidney or liver disease may be at heightened risk for developing complications while taking Pepcid. The same is true for patients with stomach cancer, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Some studies show that Pepcid is linked to a greater risk for developing GI ulcers, especially if used on an ongoing basis. People who use the drug for a period of two years or more may also find that they may have difficulties absorbing vitamin B12, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Other side effects that are most commonly reported among Pepcid users include hair loss, acne, dry skin, and flushed skin. Users may also experience a ringing in their ears, also known as tinnitus. Rare occurrences of psychic issues have also been reported.
Is it bad to take Pepcid every day?
However, patients who are able to safely take Pepcid generally believe that it is easy and painless to do so. Pepcid is most typically ingested orally, although it can also be delivered by a doctor as an injection. Pepcid does not need to be taken with any food, although it can be. Users should shake the bottle of liquid Pepcid for about five to ten seconds before ingesting it, then pour out the correct dosage as stated on either the label or in a doctor’s prescription.
Does Pepcid need to be refrigerated?
To store Pepcid, patients should keep the medicine at room temperature in an area that is free of any moisture or heat, as well as any light. Pepcid should never be frozen as that could change its effectiveness. Once the medication has gone unused for over 30 days it should be tossed.