Equate Acid Reducer Complete

Description

Famotidine 10 mg, Calcium Carbonate 800 mg, and Magnesium Hydroxide 165 mg are combined in a chewable tablet formulation designed for dual action as an acid reducer and antacid. Each tablet is flavored with berry and is presented in a package containing 25 chewable tablets. This formulation is indicated for the relief of heartburn associated with acid indigestion, providing effective symptom management with a single tablet. The product is comparable to the active ingredients found in Pepcid Complete.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the relief of heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. It is intended for use in adults and pediatric patients as directed.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 years and over 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 before use.

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 not use this medication if they have a known allergy to famotidine or other acid reducers.

The use of this medication is contraindicated in individuals experiencing difficulty or pain when swallowing food, vomiting blood, or passing bloody or black stools, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires immediate medical attention. Additionally, this medication should not be used concurrently with other acid reducers.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor prior to use if they have experienced heartburn for more than three months, as this may suggest a more serious condition. Patients should also seek medical advice if they experience heartburn accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, or dizziness; chest 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.

It is important for patients to inform their healthcare provider or pharmacist if they are taking any prescription medications, as antacids and acid reducers may interact with certain drugs.

Patients should 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.

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 to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any of the following symptoms: difficulty or pain when swallowing food, vomiting that includes blood, or the presence of bloody or black stools, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Patients should also seek medical advice prior to using this medication if they have experienced heartburn for more than three months, as this may signal a more serious condition. Additional symptoms that warrant consultation include heartburn accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, or dizziness; chest or shoulder pain with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the arms, neck, or shoulders; frequent chest pain; and frequent wheezing, particularly in conjunction with heartburn. Unexplained weight loss, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, and a history of kidney disease are also important considerations that should prompt a discussion with a healthcare provider before use.

Common adverse reactions may include persistent heartburn or worsening symptoms. Patients are advised to stop using the medication and consult a doctor if their heartburn continues or worsens, or if they find it necessary to use the product for more than 14 days.

Additionally, individuals with known allergies to famotidine or other acid reducers should avoid using this medication. It is also contraindicated for use in conjunction with other acid reducers.

Drug Interactions

Antacids and acid-reducing agents may interact with specific prescription medications, potentially affecting their absorption and efficacy. It is advisable to monitor the timing of administration when these agents are used concurrently with other drugs. Patients should be counseled to separate the dosing of antacids or acid reducers from the administration of other medications to minimize the risk of interaction. Adjustments in the timing of doses may be necessary to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Equate Acid Reducer Complete (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

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any potential adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the lack of targeted data for this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is important to assess the potential risks and benefits, as well as any available data regarding fetal outcomes and lactation. Healthcare providers can offer guidance tailored to individual circumstances, ensuring the safety of both the patient and the developing fetus or nursing 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 medication. 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. 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 to determine the appropriate course of action.

Management procedures may include supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and, if applicable, the administration of specific antidotes. Continuous evaluation of the patient's condition is necessary to address any complications that may arise during the management of an overdose.

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 in these areas limits the understanding of the compound's potential effects in nonclinical settings.

Postmarketing Experience

No specific postmarketing experience details have been reported. As such, there are no additional adverse events or rare case reports to summarize at this time.

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. Patients should be informed not to use the product if they experience difficulty or pain while swallowing food, vomiting blood, or passing bloody or black stools, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

It is important to counsel patients against using this product in conjunction with other acid reducers. Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their heartburn persists or worsens. Additionally, they 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.

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

Furthermore, patients should be informed 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 seek medical advice prior to use.

Lastly, patients should be reminded to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using the product if they are currently taking any prescription medications, as antacids and acid reducers may interact with certain drugs.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a configuration that includes specific NDC numbers, which are essential for identification and inventory management. It is recommended to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure its stability and efficacy. Additionally, it is crucial to protect the product from moisture to maintain its quality and integrity during storage. Proper handling and storage conditions are vital for preserving the product's intended use and effectiveness.

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 Equate Acid Reducer Complete, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)