H2 blocker (acid reflux) · ATC A02BA03
Famotidine
Pepcid in the US
The international (INN) name. Pharmacists everywhere recognize it, even when the local brand differs (e.g. Pepcid, Pepdul, Facidex).
Sold for: heartburn, indigestion and gas.
Pepcid is sold over the counter; higher-strength famotidine is also dispensed on prescription.
List II prescription drug in the government drug registry (BDPM). Doctors usually try a PPI first, but famotidine is registered and available. The Pepdine brand is no longer listed.
Some strengths need a prescription. Many pharmacies have a doctor’s office next door that can examine you and prescribe on the spot for a small fee.
Antacids (aluminium or magnesium hydroxide) are sold without a prescription.
Gaster is prescription-only. Gaster 10 is the non-prescription version, sold only after a consultation with the pharmacist.
For heartburn without a prescription, ask for an antacid such as Amadolox or an alginate such as Gaviscon-type Gasta.
Every famotidine product on the HSA register is prescription-only; Pepcid is not registered.