Pepcid provides gentle but effective acid reduction with excellent safety and convenience. Its once or twice-daily dosing and minimal side effects make it an ideal choice for managing acid-related conditions in children.
All pediatric ages
40 mg/5 mL
Cherry or fruit flavor - Good - well accepted by most children palatability
Children who can reliably swallow tablets (usually 6+ years)
10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
No taste when swallowed whole - Excellent if can swallow, chalky if chewed palatability
Children who can chew reliably (usually 3+ years)
10 mg, 20 mg
Cherry or berry flavor - Good when chewed completely palatability
Children who have difficulty swallowing (various ages)
20 mg, 40 mg
Mint or fruit flavor - Good - dissolves quickly palatability
Check child's name, Pepcid dose, frequency, and indication (GERD, ulcer, etc.). Confirm appropriate formulation.
Safety Note: Dosing varies by indication and severity of symptoms
Add exact amount of water specified by pharmacist. Shake vigorously until powder completely dissolves.
Safety Note: Incorrect water amount affects concentration and dosing accuracy
Shake for 10-15 seconds until completely uniform. Famotidine can settle between doses.
Safety Note: Inadequate mixing leads to inconsistent dosing
Use provided measuring device or calibrated oral syringe. Draw to exact prescribed volume.
Safety Note: Accurate dosing important for symptom control
Give at prescribed time based on indication - bedtime for GERD, with meals for ulcers, etc.
Safety Note: Timing affects symptom control effectiveness
Confirm full dose taken. If using chewable tablets, ensure complete chewing before swallowing.
Safety Note: Partial doses may not provide adequate symptom control
Keep in original container at room temperature. Mark discard date (30 days for suspension).
Safety Note: Room temperature storage maintains stability
Method: Oral syringe with gentle administration
Positioning: Upright position, preferably during or after feeding
Method: Medicine cup, syringe, or chewable tablets
Positioning: Sitting upright during established routine
Method: Chewable tablets or suspension based on preference
Positioning: Independent with supervision
Method: Tablets or formulation of choice
Positioning: Independent with minimal supervision
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Temperature: Not specified
Stability: Not specified
Risk: Disappointment and premature discontinuation
Prevention: Set realistic expectations about 1-2 week timeline for full benefit
Risk: Symptom recurrence and need to restart therapy
Prevention: Explain difference between symptom relief and underlying condition treatment
Risk: Inconsistent dosing and variable symptom control
Prevention: Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds before every dose
Bedtime dosing is often optimal for GERD symptoms that worsen at night
Room temperature storage and good taste make Pepcid very family-friendly
Minimal drug interactions make Pepcid safe for children on multiple medications
Multiple formulation options allow customization to child's developmental stage
Pepcid's combination of effectiveness, excellent tolerability, minimal interactions, and convenience makes it an ideal choice for managing acid-related conditions in children. Its flexible dosing and multiple formulations accommodate various ages and family needs.