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Compare Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid AC

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

  • Summary of Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid AC

    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 AC) is a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist that's used to treat conditions that cause too much stomach acid to build up, such as heartburn and stomach or intestinal ulcers (sores). It starts to work within an hour and lasts for several hours. It's available as a tablet and a liquid, and is taken by mouth twice per day. Side effects of famotidine (Pepcid AC) include headache, dizziness, and constipation.

  • Indications of Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid AC

    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 (OTC) famotidine

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

    Prescription famotidine

    •Gastric ulcer (open sore in the stomach)
    •Duodenal ulcer (open sore in the first part of the small intestine)
    •Heartburn (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis due to GERD (inflammation of the esophagus)
    •Other conditions that cause too much stomach acid secretion (i.e., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

  • Pros and Cons of Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid AC

    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
    •Starts to work within an hour and lasts for up several hours
    •Available as both a generic and over-the-counter option
    •If needed, can be used with some other acid-lowering medications, such as antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate (Tums)) or PPIs
    •Generally well-tolerated with little side effects
    •Available as a oral suspension, a good option for people who can't swallow tablets
    Cons
    •Antacids start to work more quickly than famotidine (Pepcid AC)
    •PPIs work better at healing and preventing stomach ulcers than famotidine (Pepcid AC).
    •Needs to be taken twice daily for most conditions
    •Not the best option for people with kidney problems

  • Common Side Effects of Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid AC

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

  • Warnings of Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid AC

    Common Side Effects for
    •Speak with provider if symptoms don't go away or come back
    •Confusion
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Agitation, confusion, and other brain-related side effects
    •Possible risk of cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Tagamet HB vs. Pepcid AC

    Learn more about Cimetidine
    Learn more about Famotidine

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