Acid Reducer Plus Antacid

Description

Famotidine 10 mg, calcium carbonate 800 mg, and magnesium hydroxide 165 mg are combined in a chewable tablet dosage form. Each tablet is formulated to provide a berry flavor and is packaged in a bottle containing 50 chewable tablets.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the relief of heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this medication.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 years and older are advised to chew 1 tablet completely before swallowing to relieve symptoms. It is important to note that the tablet should not be swallowed whole. The maximum recommended dosage is 2 chewable tablets within a 24-hour period.

For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a physician for appropriate dosing and administration guidance.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in patients who experience difficulty or pain when swallowing food, vomiting blood, or passing bloody or black stools, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition requiring medical evaluation. Additionally, concurrent use with other acid-reducing medications is contraindicated.

Warnings and Precautions

Patients should be advised of the following warnings and precautions prior to the use of this medication.

Allergy Alert This medication should not be used by individuals who are allergic to famotidine or other acid reducers.

Contraindications The medication is contraindicated in patients experiencing difficulty or pain when swallowing food, vomiting with blood, or the presence of bloody or black stools, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition. Such patients should seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, this medication should not be used concurrently with other acid reducers.

Pre-Use Consultation Healthcare professionals should recommend that patients consult a doctor before using this medication if they have experienced heartburn for more than three months, as this may signify a more serious condition. Patients should also seek medical advice if they experience heartburn accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, or dizziness; chest pain or shoulder pain with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the arms, neck, or shoulders; frequent chest pain; frequent wheezing, particularly in conjunction with heartburn; unexplained weight loss; nausea or vomiting; stomach pain; or have a history of kidney disease.

Drug Interactions Patients should be advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if they are currently taking any prescription drugs, as antacids may interact with certain medications.

Monitoring and Discontinuation Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their heartburn persists or worsens, or if they find it necessary to use this product for more than 14 days.

Emergency Situations In the event of an overdose, patients should seek emergency medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware of the potential adverse reactions associated with the use of this medication. Serious adverse reactions may occur, and patients are advised not to use the medication if they experience difficulty or pain when swallowing food, vomiting with blood, or the presence of bloody or black stools, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Patients with a history of heartburn lasting more than three months, or those experiencing heartburn accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, or dizziness, should consult a healthcare professional prior to use. Additionally, individuals presenting with chest pain or shoulder pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the arms, neck, or shoulders, as well as lightheadedness, should seek medical advice. Frequent chest pain, wheezing—especially in conjunction with heartburn—unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or a history of kidney disease are also conditions that warrant consultation with a healthcare provider before using this medication.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their heartburn persists or worsens, or if they find it necessary to use the product for more than 14 days. Furthermore, individuals should not use this medication in conjunction with other acid reducers, as this may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Allergic reactions to famotidine or other acid reducers are also a concern; therefore, patients with known allergies to these substances should avoid using this medication.

Drug Interactions

Antacids may interact with various prescription medications, potentially affecting their absorption and efficacy. It is advisable to separate the administration of antacids and other medications by at least two hours to minimize the risk of interaction. Monitoring for therapeutic effectiveness of the affected medications is recommended when antacids are used concurrently.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Acid Reducer Plus Antacid (famotidine, calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. For adolescents and adults aged 12 years and older, it is important to note that the tablet must not be swallowed whole; it should be chewed completely prior to swallowing to effectively relieve symptoms. The maximum recommended dosage for this age group is 2 chewable tablets within a 24-hour period.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information regarding the use of this medication in geriatric patients, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, as individual responses may vary. Monitoring for potential adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy is recommended in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or infant.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they have a history of kidney disease. It is essential to assess renal function and consider potential dosing adjustments or monitoring requirements based on the degree of impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this drug. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the prescribing information.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Prompt intervention is crucial in managing overdose situations, as timely medical help can significantly influence outcomes. Symptoms of overdose may vary depending on the substance involved and the individual’s health status. Therefore, a thorough assessment and monitoring of the patient are essential.

Management procedures may include supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and specific antidotes if applicable. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant and prepared to implement appropriate interventions based on the clinical presentation of the patient.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in question.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs. These include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema; hepatic effects characterized by elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis; and renal effects, including acute interstitial nephritis. Cardiovascular effects have been noted, particularly arrhythmias, alongside gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting. Hematologic effects reported include thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Central nervous system effects, including confusion and hallucinations, have also been documented. Skin reactions, such as rash and pruritus, along with other reactions like dizziness and fatigue, have been observed. The frequency of these adverse reactions is not known, and it is important to note that these reactions may not be directly related to the use of the product.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. It is important to inform patients that they should not use this product if they experience difficulty or pain when swallowing food, vomiting blood, or have bloody or black stools, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

Patients should be cautioned against using this product in conjunction with other acid reducers, as this may lead to adverse effects. They should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their heartburn persists or worsens. Additionally, patients should be advised to stop using the product and seek medical advice if they find it necessary to take it for more than 14 days.

Healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult a doctor before using this product if they have experienced heartburn for over three months, as this may signal a more serious condition. Patients should also be informed to seek medical advice if they experience heartburn accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, or dizziness, or if they have chest pain or shoulder pain along with shortness of breath, sweating, pain radiating to the arms, neck, or shoulders, or lightheadedness.

Furthermore, patients should be advised to consult a doctor if they frequently experience chest pain, wheezing (especially in conjunction with heartburn), unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Those with a history of kidney disease should also be encouraged to seek medical advice prior to use.

Lastly, healthcare providers should remind patients to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if they are currently taking any prescription medications, as antacids may interact with certain drugs.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in packaging that ensures its integrity during storage. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its efficacy. Additionally, it is essential to protect the product from moisture to prevent degradation. Proper handling and storage conditions are crucial for preserving the quality of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with specific instructions for different age groups. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the tablet should not be swallowed whole; it must be chewed completely before swallowing, with a maximum of two chewable tablets allowed within a 24-hour period. For children under 12 years, consultation with a doctor is advised prior to use.

Clinicians should counsel patients to seek advice from a health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also important for patients to read the directions and warnings provided on the bottle, as it contains essential information regarding the medication's use.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Acid Reducer Plus Antacid, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)