The symptoms of heartburn can range from being a minor nuisance to a very painful or uncomfortable experience. Many over-the-counter remedies exist, but perhaps one the most popular options is Pepcid, or its generic, famotidine. Many brands and formulations exist for Pepcid/famotidine, making it difficult to determine which are animal-free and which are not.
What does heartburn feel like?
The following are some symptoms of heartburn:
Dry mouth
Bitter taste in mouth
Throat pain
Burning in chest/throat
Chronic cough
Burping/Bloating
Difficulty swallowing
Nausea
What is Pepcid?
Pepcid is the brand name for famotidine, a drug that helps to reduce excess stomach acid which can cause heartburn and GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Is Pepcid a PPI?
No, Pepcid is not a PPI. PPI stands for proton-pump inhibitor, and this class of medications includes other common over-the-counter medications like Prilosec (omeprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), and Nexium (esomeprazole). These medications suppress acid production for longer periods of time than Pepcid, and should be used for heartburn prevention, rather than as an as needed treatment.
Is Pepcid an Antacid?
No, Pepcid is not an antacid. Common brands of antacids include Tums, Rolaids, and Mylanta. These medications work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach using ingredients that are the opposite of acids, hence the name “anti-acid”, or antacids!
Is Pepcid an Antihistamine?
Yes! Pepcid, or famotidine, is a special kind of antihistamine that targets the stomach, rather than targeting allergy symptoms like other antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin. Pepcid suppresses acid production in the stomach, working within 15-30 minutes and suppressing acid for close to 12 hours!
Pepcid Products
There are currently 5 available Pepcid products:
Pepcid Product | Ingredients |
Original Strength Pepcid AC Tablets with Famotidine | Famotidine 10 mg Carnauba wax, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, red iron oxide, talc, titanium dioxide |
Maximum Strength Pepcid AC Tablets with Famotidine | Famotidine 20 mg Carnauba wax, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, talc, titanium dioxide |
Pepcid AC Maximum Strength Heartburn Relief & Acid Reducer, Icy Cool Mint, 20 mg Famotidine Tablet | Famotidine 20 mg Carnauba wax, FD&C blue no. 1 aluminum lake flavors, hypromellose 2910, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, pregelatinized starch, sucralose, talc, titanium dioxide |
Pepcid Complete Chewable Tablets with Famotidine and Antacids | Famotidine 10 mg, Calcium Carbonate 800 mg, Magnesium hydroxide 165 mg
|
Pepcid Complete ON-THE-GO Chewable Tablets with Famotidine and Antacids | Famotidine 10 mg, Calcium Carbonate 800 mg, Magnesium hydroxide 165 mg
|
Key:
Purple: Ingredients that can be animal or synthetic/plant-derived
Red: Animal-derived ingredients
So, is Pepcid animal-free?
The short answer is no. Unfortunately, the manufacturer of Pepcid, Johnson & Johnson, is unable to confirm the absence or presence of animal-derived ingredients in the following Pepcid products:
Original Strength Pepcid AC Tablets with Famotidine
Maximum Strength Pepcid AC Tablets with Famotidine
Pepcid AC Maximum Strength Heartburn Relief & Acid Reducer, Icy Cool Mint, 20 mg Famotidine Tablet
Animal-Free Pepcid Alternatives
It may seem like verified animal-free options for heartburn are limited, however, there are many generic and alternative brand options that exist on the market that have been verified animal-free:
Zantac 360 maximum strength 20 mg Tablets ✓ Verified Animal Free
Zydus Pharmaceuticals - Famotidine Tablets ✓ Verified Animal Free
Aurobindo Pharma - Famotidine Tablets ✓ Verified Animal Free
Ascend Laboratories - Film-Coated Famotidine Tablets ✓ Verified Animal Free
Conclusion
Heartburn is a common condition that affects most populations of people. One long standing over-the-counter option is Pepcid (famotidine). It can be difficult to find animal-free options for common medications, but VeganMed has successfully verified heartburn relief options that are animal-free! While Johnson & Johnson may not be able to confirm the animal-free status of Pepcid products, there are several generic and alternative brand options that are verified animal-free!
Co-author: Christopher Carpenter
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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