Precautions
“Pepcid AC is relatively safe to take during pregnancy with no true risks unless you’re allergic to this medication,” says Sherry Ross, MD, an OB-GYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.
Is taking Pepcid AC during pregnancy safe?
- 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
What are the side effects of famotidine 40 mg tablets?
- avoid tea, coffee, and soda that contain caffeine, as this stimulant aggravates acid reflux;
- avoid tight-fitting clothing as they may put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and abdomen;
- eat smaller meals – large meals fill the stomach and put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter;
What are the differences between famotidine and ranitidine?
In short, animal studies have not shown negative effects on fetal development. However, there is limited data on pregnant humans using this medication (but famotidine dose cross to the placenta); therefore, patients should consult with their doctors to weigh the pros and cons of taking this medication while pregnant.
Can I take famotidine pregnant?
Can famotidine harm my baby?
Famotidine is found in the breast milk in small amounts and is used in newborn infants in higher dosages than the levels that have been found in breastmilk. Taking famotidine while breastfeeding is not expected to cause problems in breastfed infants.
Can famotidine cause birth defects?
Available studies do not show an increased chance of birth defects or other pregnancy problems when famotidine is taken during pregnancy. Could taking famotidine cause other pregnancy complications? It is not known if taking famotidine during pregnancy increases the chance of pregnancy complications.
What category is famotidine in pregnancy?
OTC Antacids, Simethicone, and H2-Receptor Selective Antihistamines in PregnancyDrug nameFDA pregnancy risk classificationDrug classCimetidine (Tagamet)BAntihistamineRanitidine (Zantac)BAntihistamineNizatidine (Axid)CAntihistamineFamotidine (Pepcid)BAntihistamine3 more rows•Jun 15, 2003
What is the safest antacid to take while pregnant?
When it comes to treating heartburn during pregnancy, calcium carbonate antacids are the most preferred medication option. Tums and its generics are a safe option for both you and your unborn baby.
Can I take famotidine in first trimester?
Unless your doctor says otherwise, Pepcid is safe to take during pregnancy. “Pepcid AC is relatively safe to take during pregnancy with no true risks unless you're allergic to this medication,” says Sherry Ross, MD, an OB-GYN and women's health expert at Providence Saint John's Health Center.
Does famotidine cross the placenta?
Famotidine Pregnancy Warnings Use is recommended only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk. Animal models have failed to reveal evidence of teratogenicity or changes in fertility. This drug crosses the placenta.
What helps with acid reflux while pregnant?
How can heartburn during pregnancy be prevented?Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.Eat slowly.Drink between your meals, but not with meals.Avoid fried, spicy or fatty foods.Avoid citrus fruits and juices.Limit caffeine.Don't smoke and avoid alcohol.
What is category B in pregnancy?
Category B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
How do you treat GERD during pregnancy?
LBG If a pregnant woman is experiencing mild-to-moderate GERD symptoms during pregnancy, the initial treatment options should include either antacids or an H2-receptor antagonist such as famotidine or ranitidine. If the patients heartburn is severe, the patient could be started on PPI therapy.
Which tablet is best for acidity in pregnancy?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Like H2 blockers, these drugs help cut down on stomach acid. PPIs, which include lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec), are available over the counter and by prescription.
Can antacid cause miscarriage?
Antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors can be used safely during pregnancy, as large studies have been published with no evidence of adverse fetal effects.
Is famotidine 20 mg safe during pregnancy?
There is limited data on the safety of famotidine during pregnancy. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before taking it.
How much famotidine can I take pregnant?
After consulting with your doctor, you should take famotidine as prescribed.
What antacids are safe to take during pregnancy?
Pregnant women suffering from heartburn should consider lifestyle changes before taking medications to treat reflux or heartburn. These changes can include:
Can pregnant women take famotidine?
However, famotidine should not be used by pregnant women unless it has been prescribed to them by a physician. Although famotidine is considered relatively safe in animals, the full risks of using famotidine in pregnant women are not known.
Does famotidine cause congenital malformations?
Other studies have also confirmed that the use of famotidine during pregnancy is not associated with increased risk of congenital malformations. But still there is not enough data in order to rule out any risk at all.
Does famotidine cause premature delivery?
There are a limited number of studies on the effect of famotidine on pregnant women. According to one of them the incidence of premature deliveries was slightly higher in women who have been exposed to famotidine while pregnant. However, there was no increase in the number of malformations. Other studies have also confirmed that the use ...
Does famotidine cause constipation?
Apart from posing some risk to the fetus, famotidine can also have adverse effects on women. Some of the most common adverse effects are diarrhea or constipation which can be serious problems during pregnancy. Allergic reactions are also possible.
Is famotidine safe for breastfeeding?
Although famotidine appears relatively safe in breastfeeding women, there is still a potential risk of adverse effects on the infant so breast feeding women should not use famotidine without consulting their healthcare provider. The manufacturers of famotidine do not recommend its usage by breastfeeding women.
How to reduce acid reflux during pregnancy?
Dietary and lifestyle changes can help reduce heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux during pregnancy. Whenever possible, Gerber recommends trying these interventions before starting a medication. Remedies that may help reduce heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux include the following:
What are the side effects of Pepcid?
Some of the more common side effects of Pepcid include: constipation. diarrhea. dry mouth.
Can you take Pepcid while pregnant?
You can take Pepcid — while keeping certain considerations in mind — during pregnancy. And there are a few other OTC options — plus some home remedies — you can try the next time you feel the burn coming on.
Does Pepcid cross the placenta?
Even though Pepcid does cross the placenta, Ruiz says there have been no known ill-effects in babies. Because of the physiologic changes in pregnancy, Ruiz says there may be increased renal clearance of Pepcid. In plain language, this means you may need to take a higher dose. But check with your doctor.
Is it safe to take Tums before Pepcid?
When it comes to OTC medications to try before using Pepcid, Ross says products such as Tums or Maalox help coat the esophagus, which minimizes the burning sensation. Both are safe in pregnancy. For optimal results, Ross recommends taking these medications 30 minutes before each meal and before bedtime.
Is it normal to have heartburn while pregnant?
of people have heartburn during pregnancy. While clearly this is common and totally normal during pregnancy , you might be wondering if there are safe over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, like Pepcid, that you can take to help ease some of this burning indigestion.
Can H2 blockers be used in pregnancy?
Additionally, H2 blockers have been used in all trimesters with no known terato genic effect, according to a 2014 American Family Physician journal article. One tool many pregnant people formerly relied on for tracking the safety of medication and drugs was the category ranking from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Trusted Source. .
Does pepcid help with acid reflux?
“Pepcid, or generic famotidine, effectively treats and prevents the symptoms of acid reflux, ” said Dr. Cate Hildebrand, one of the five doctors at OBGYN Specialists of Tulsa.
Can you take ranitidine twice a day?
It can be used once or twice daily to suppress stomach acid.”. Patients should avoid Zantac (generic ranitidine), given recent FDA statements regarding higher levels of NDMA impurities in this medication, said Dr. Grant Cox, another of the doctors at OBGYN Specialists of Tulsa.
Can you take Pepcid while pregnant?
Heartburn and acid reflux are common problems for pregnant patients. For those who have tried behavioral changes without any success or who are having to take a chewable antacid several times a day, changing to a daily medication such as Pepcid is recommended.
Is aluminum safe for pregnant women?
Aluminum can be constipating and, in large doses, toxic. So even though these products are probably safe when used occasionally at the recommended dosage, they're not your best choice when pregnant. Remedies containing aspirin (such as Alka-Seltzer) should also be avoided during pregnancy.
Can you get heartburn while pregnant?
Many pregnant women get heartburn, sometimes referred to as acid indigestion or acid reflux. This condition is generally harmless, but it can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, most cases can be safely treated with over-the-counter remedies, along with simple diet and lifestyle changes.
Can you take acid reducers while pregnant?
Some acid reducers are available over-the-counter and others require a prescription. All are currently considered safe to take during pregnancy, even during the first trimester.
Can you take magnesium oxide while pregnant?
Learn why heartburn happens and how to find relief. Antacids containing magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide are also a good choice during pregnancy. These come in tablet or liquid form.
How common is GERD in pregnancy?
Many studies have found that GERD is very common during pregnancy; approximately 30–50% ...
Is omeprazole a PPI?
In this study, omeprazole was the most commonly prescribed PPI. In a meta-analysis of 7 studies published in 2009, there was no evidence linking PPI exposure in pregnancy to adverse outcomes such as congenital malformations, spontaneous abortions, or premature deliveries.
Is omeprazole safe for pregnant women?
Despite being labeled as a pregnancy category C drug by the FDA, many studies have demonstrated that omeprazole is safe in pregnant women, as discussed above; in fact, the majority of safety data on the use of PPI therapy in pregnant GERD patients involve omeprazole because it was the first PPI that was available.
New Recommendations
In the new consensus statement published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology, the researchers cite a growing body of evidence that suggests acetaminophen use during pregnancy can affect the fetus, and that it may lead to neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and urogenital disorders in children. 1
What Is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works by changing the way the body senses pain, as well as by cooling the body.
Is Acetaminophen Safe?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware that the decision to use any medication during pregnancy can be complex.
What Doctors Say
Christine Greves, MD, an OB/GYN at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida, tells Verywell that in general, doctors recommend that that you limit taking any medication during pregnancy, including acetaminophen.