Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and famotidine (Pepcid AC) are both histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) used to reduce stomach acid, but they have some differences. Cimetidine and famotidine are available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. Famotidine OTC is available under brand names like Pepcid AC and Zantac 360. Cimetidine can be taken up to four times a day, whereas famotidine is typically taken one to two times a day. Cimetidine has more drug interactions compared to famotidine, which might make famotidine a safer option if you are taking multiple medications. Common side effects for both include headache and dizziness, but cimetidine can also cause diarrhea, while famotidine might cause constipation. Additionally, cimetidine is sometimes used off-label for conditions like molluscum contagiosum (wart-like viral rash), whereas famotidine is generally used for heartburn and ulcers.

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
    Famotidine (Pepcid)
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
    Famotidine (Pepcid)

  • Summary of Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid

    Summary for Histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA)

    Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that lowers how much acid is made in the stomach. The over-the-counter (OTC) version relieves and prevents heartburn in people 12 years and older. Higher strengths of cimetidine are prescription only and are used to treat acid reflux, stomach and gut ulcers, and other stomach acid problems in people 16 years and older. Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) is taken by mouth one to four times a day, depending on what stomach problem you have. This medication has few side effects, which can include headache, dizziness, and diarrhea.

    Summary for Histamine H2 antagonist

    Famotidine (Pepcid) is a type of acid reducer called a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist. It helps treat problems caused by too much stomach acid. Over-the-counter famotidine (Pepcid or Pepcid AC) can help with heartburn in people who are 12 and up. Prescription-only famotidine is for people with more ongoing stomach acid problems and stomach or gut ulcers. This medication is taken by mouth once or twice a day. It usually starts to work within an hour and lasts several hours. Side effects include headache, dizziness, and constipation.

  • Indications of Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid

    Indications for
    •Heartburn related to indigestion and sour stomach - OTC only
    •Erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - prescription only
    •Gastric and duodenal ulcers - prescription only
    •Conditions that cause too much stomach acid (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) - prescription only
    Indications for
    •

    Over-the-counter famotidine:

    •Prevention and relief of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)
    •

    Prescription famotidine:

    •Stomach ulcers
    •Intestinal ulcers
    •Heartburn (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) due to GERD
    •Other conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

  • Pros and Cons of Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid

    Pros and Const for Histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA)
    Pros
    •Available as an OTC product for heartburn only
    •Available as a tablets and an oral solution
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, including warfarin (Coumadin) and propranolol
    •Might not work as well as you continue taking the medication (when taken long-term)
    Pros and Const for Histamine H2 antagonist
    Pros
    •Available over the counter (OTC) for heartburn
    •Effects can last for up to several hours after taking
    •Generally well-tolerated with few side effects and risks
    •Can take with antacids if needed (e.g., calcium carbonate (Tums))
    Cons
    •Can take 1 to 3 hours to fully work
    •OTC version not for children under 12 years old
    •Higher risk of certain side effects in older adults and people with kidney problems
    •Might not work as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for relieving heartburn and healing stomach ulcers

  • Common Side Effects of Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid

    Common Side Effects for
    •Speak with provider if symptoms don't go away or come back
    •Confusion
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Confusion and other side effects related to the nervous system in some people
    •Masking of possible stomach cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid

    Learn more about Cimetidine
    Learn more about Famotidine

Compare other Heartburn and Gastric Ulcer drugs

Alka Seltzer vs TagametTagamet vs MaaloxTagamet vs NexiumTagamet vs PepcidTagamet vs PrevacidTagamet vs PrilosecTagamet vs ProtonixTagamet vs RolaidsTagamet vs TumsZegerid vs TagametAlka Seltzer vs MaaloxAlka Seltzer vs NexiumAlka Seltzer vs NyquilAlka Seltzer vs TumsAlka Seltzer vs ZegeridCarafate vs ZegeridMaalox vs TumsNexium vs TumsProtonix vs AciphexProtonix vs DexilantProtonix vs NexiumProtonix vs PepcidProtonix vs PrevacidTums vs Pepto BismolTums vs RolaidsZegerid vs MaaloxZegerid vs PantoprazoleZegerid vs PepcidZegerid vs RolaidsZegerid vs Tums
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.