Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker that decreases the amount of acid the stomach produces. Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring minerals that neutralize acid in the stomach.

Pepcid Complete is a combination medicine used to relieve heartburn caused by acid indigestion and sour stomach.

Pepcid Complete may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or similar stomach acid reducers, such as ranitidine, cimetidine, Zantac, or Tagamet).

Do not use this medicine if you have trouble swallowing food, if you are vomiting blood, or if you have bloody or tarry stools.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Do not use more than two tablets in 24 hours.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 14 days, or if you have ongoing stomach pain. You may have a more serious stomach condition.

In addition to taking this medication, other tips for managing heartburn include:

• Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating.

• Do not eat late at night, or just before bedtime.

• Eat slowly and do not eat big meals.

• If you smoke, quit smoking.

• If you are overweight, lose weight.

• Raise the head of your bed.

• Wear loose fitting clothing around your stomach.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or similar stomach acid reducers, such as ranitidine, cimetidine, Zantac, Tagamet, and others.

Do not use Pepcid Complete if you have:

• trouble swallowing food, or pain when swallowing;

• vomiting with blood; or

• black, bloody, or tarry stools.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• wheezing or trouble breathing when you have heartburn;

• nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

• unusual weight loss;

• kidney disease; or

• if you have had heartburn for longer than 3 months.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

Since Pepcid Complete is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fast heart rate, or fainting.

Do not take this medicine together with regular famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD) or with other stomach acid reducers.

Avoid foods or drinks that are more likely to cause heartburn, such as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, some fruits and vegetables, and rich, spicy, fatty, or fried foods.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Pepcid Complete and call your doctor at once if:

• your heartburn gets worse; or

• you still have heartburn after 2 weeks of taking Pepcid Complete.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pepcid Complete can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine with any other medications.

Other drugs may affect Pepcid Complete, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.