Mixing Pepcid and Alcohol Safety, 8 Side Effects, Interactions & Alcohol Flush

What is Pepcid used for?

Famotidine ( Pepcid) is used to treat stomach ulcers (gastric and duodenal), erosive esophagitis (heartburn or acid indigestion), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition where the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus. Pepcid and alcohol do not have an alcohol-drug interaction, and taking them is safe if you’ve been drinking. But it doesn’t mean there are no other side effects that may arise.

Stomach acid reflux characterizes the illness known as GERD in the esophagus. Pepcid is utilized to treat these problems where the stomach’s acidity is excessive (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasias).

The class of drugs known as histamine H2-receptor antagonists or H2-blockers includes famotidine. It functions by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

This medication is offered both with and without a prescription from your doctor. Each pill contains more medication in the prescribed form. See your doctor for the proper usage and dosage for your medical condition.

Is Pepcid AC Safe with Alcohol?

It’s always good to know more about the safety of how medications and alcohol may mix! Pepcid AC is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat heartburn and other symptoms that result from an excess of acid in the stomach. It can do so through the active ingredient famotidine (its generic name), more broadly known as an H2 blocker, which blocks the histamine receptors responsible for triggering acid production. Given that famotidine targets acid in your stomach, it makes sense that you’d be concerned about your friends’ stomach linings. 

However, research indicates that famotidine is responsible for lowering acidity. While famotidine likely won’t hurt your friends’ stomach linings, it may not help them reduce redness due to drinking. While some people find that the medication helps reduce redness, no studies have shown that famotidine effectively treats redness resulting from drinking alcohol.

Can you take Pepcid with Alcohol?

Antacids can impact how well other prescriptions work, so do not take other medicines within 2 to 4 hours of taking an antacid. You can drink alcohol while taking antacids, but alcohol can irritate your stomach and worsen your symptoms.

Alcohol is a potential trigger for heartburn. Chronic alcohol use may further aggravate gastric ulcer disease. Other H2 blockers with less alcohol effect include famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac 360). Avoid drinking alcohol to help prevent heartburn.

Can you take Pepcid after Drinking Alcohol?

Immediately after drinking alcohol, some people notice a reddening (flushing) of the face, neck, or upper chest. It happens when a specific enzyme (protein) in the body is abnormal. Some people take antihistamines, like famotidine (Pepcid AC), to prevent this reaction.

However, alcohol can aggravate your stomach lining, causing abdominal pain and nausea. In contrast, medicines like the anti-nausea Zofran and antacids like Pepcid, Zantac, or Alka-Seltzer will help combat the shaky stomach of a post-party hangover sufferer.

Pepcid AC for Alcohol

Can you take Pepcid with alcohol? Patients suffering from acid reflux should avoid alcohol. However, Pepcid can be taken as an acid reducer for those suffering from acid reflux along with alcoholism under a healthcare professional’s care. You can take a Zantac or Pepcid-AC at least 45 mins before drinking or consuming foods that are likely to contribute to acid reflux. This can help social drinkers that have acid indigestion issues.

Pepcid AC for Alcohol Flush

Taking Pepcid to reduce acid heartburn may help avoid an “alcohol flush reaction.” However, long-term health hazards, such as an increased risk of stomach and esophageal cancer, may come with the abuse of Pepcid and related acid reflux medications. Alcohol flushing is generally described as:

• An alcohol flush reaction induces redness in the face, nausea, and a faster heartbeat.
• Alcohol-related flushing happens in people whose bodies don’t process alcohol normally. It’s most common in people of East Asian descent.

Can you Drink Alcohol with Pepcid?

Alcohol can irritate your stomach lining, causing abdominal pain and nausea. At the same time, medications like the anti-nausea Zofran and antacids like Pepcid, Zantac, or Alka-Seltzer will help combat the shaky stomach of a post-party hangover sufferer.

Pepcid-AC and Alcohol Drinking

Interactions between famotidine or Pepcid-AC and alcohol can counter the benefits of taking an acid reducer like Pepcid. Drinking alcohol can worsen heartburn, ulcers, and GERD symptoms; therefore, it is best avoided.

Pepcid And Alcohol Interactions

Famotidine has little impact on blood alcohol levels, so it is okay to drink alcohol in moderation while taking famotidine. However, alcohol can aggravate symptoms, and it is suggested that you avoid it altogether.

Although specific prescriptions should not be used concurrently, in other cases, two distinct medicines may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary.

Pepcid And Alcohol Rare Effects

• Anxiety
• Bleeding gums
• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Bloody, black, or tarry stools
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Discouragement
• Fast, irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse
• Feeling sad or empty
• Irritability

Pepcid and Alcoholism Treatment

For alcoholics using Pepcid and Alcohol, We Level Up NJ alcoholism and drug treatment center offers a comprehensive plan that includes evidence-based therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is essential for alcohol recovery. If you need help or a free assessment for alcohol use disorder reach out to one of our specialists for a free assessment. Depending on how badly your alcohol addiction has affected you, your treatment may be covered by insurance.

We Level Up NJ treatment center employs highly skilled addiction specialists who have undergone training to provide clients with the motivation and resources needed to stop abusing Pepcid and alcohol to sustain long-term health and sobriety. The We Level Up NJ rehabilitation center provides diagnostic treatment programs for people with these diseases and co-occurring mental health issues.

If you are facing Pepcid and Alcohol addiction, get in touch with us immediately to discuss your treatment options and find out how we can help you as you begin your recovery journey. We’ll be by your side the entire time.

We Level Up NJ provides proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our medically-assisted detox program. Reclaim your life. Call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.