Question 1

can i mix claritin, (loratadine) pepcid complete and drink alcohol? i have the asian flush as they call it and get rapid heart beat, headache, red flush+warmth.

Accepted Answer

You can, but…: The Asian flush, as you term it , is caused by an enzyme which makes you metabolize alcohol into acetaldehyde. Since this is a genetic issue, Pepcid and Claritin (loratadine) will not help, although you can take them with alcohol in reasonable doses. Also, there is an increased risk of esophageal cancer with alcohol intake in patients with the Asian flush, so  you should avoid regular drinking. Good luck.

Question 2

will pepcid (famotidine) ac help with "asian glow" (turning bright red after drinking alcohol)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but...: Some antihistamines can block the vasodilation in the skin that causes flushing from alcohol, which is proximally caused by build up of acetaldehyde. There remains some controversy over whether this is a safe approach in the long run and doing this frequently could increase your risk of alcoholism or ulcers, cancer. http://www.teawithmd.com/2014/12/the-truth-about-alcohol-flushing-or-asian-glow/

Question 3

i'm asian and i take pepcid (famotidine) before i drink alcohol to reduce redness/flushness. if i do this 2-3x/week for several years, are there long term effects?

Accepted Answer

Fatty liver: Alcohol affects the way the liver process fat so your liver cells get stuffed full of it. If you drink often it can make your liver get fat – reducing your consumption can help it return to its normal size. You can spend half of your life damaging your body/liver and not feel any of the effects. 
Moderation is the key with or without pepcid (famotidine).

Question 4

i was recently dx small hiatal hernia abd&pelvic ct w contrast. no other findings. i noticed 30 min after i eat, i get all flushed and weird feeling, with gurling tummy. esophageal stricture? or duodenal ulcer? i'm on pepcid and florestore probiotic?

Accepted Answer

Rather functional: Your symptoms suggest dumping syndrome which is rather functional and studies such as gastric emptying or small bowel series may be needed. May need also to review current meds with your prescriber.

Question 5

does pepcid (famotidine) ac expire?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It should have an expiration date.

Question 6

does expired pepcid (famotidine) ac work?

Accepted Answer

Pepcid (famotidine): Not advised to consume expired medications.

Question 7

can you take pepcid (famotidine) ac few days before endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Pepcid (famotidine) and EGD: yes, you can - just don't take it within 7-8 hours of endoscopy.

Question 8

if i took pepcid ac at 7am this morning can i take a dose of pepto now?

Accepted Answer

: Sorry not sure what the timing is. I believe that you can now take Pepto. If you have persistent stomach issues you need to follow up with your primary care doctor.

Question 9

i found a box of pepcid (famotidine) ac complete in my medicine cabinet expired. can i use them?

Accepted Answer

No: Expired medicine is usually ineffective and will not help you.  Best to buy some new ones.

Question 10

is there a reason that have the chewable pepcid (famotidine) ac has been removed from every store that i have looked for it?

Accepted Answer

J&J Pepcid (famotidine) Recall: Johnson and johnson recalled Pepcid (famotidine) and other over-the-counter medicines in april 2012 due to quality issues.  They may not return to the shelves until 2013.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/business/popular-jj-drugs-may-not-return-until-2013.html.

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Doctor answers about:

Pepcid ac or pepcid complete asian flush

A member asked:

Can i mix claritin, (loratadine) pepcid complete and drink alcohol? i have the asian flush as they call it and get rapid heart beat, headache, red flush+warmth.

A member asked:

Will pepcid (famotidine) ac help with "asian glow" (turning bright red after drinking alcohol)?

A member asked:

I'm asian and i take pepcid (famotidine) before i drink alcohol to reduce redness/flushness. if i do this 2-3x/week for several years, are there long term effects?

A member asked:

I was recently dx small hiatal hernia abd&pelvic ct w contrast. no other findings. i noticed 30 min after i eat, i get all flushed and weird feeling, with gurling tummy. esophageal stricture? or duodenal ulcer? i'm on pepcid and florestore probiotic?

A member asked:

Does pepcid (famotidine) ac expire?

A member asked:

Does expired pepcid (famotidine) ac work?

A member asked:

Can you take pepcid (famotidine) ac few days before endoscopy?

A member asked:

If i took pepcid ac at 7am this morning can i take a dose of pepto now?

A member asked:

I found a box of pepcid (famotidine) ac complete in my medicine cabinet expired. can i use them?

A member asked:

Is there a reason that have the chewable pepcid (famotidine) ac has been removed from every store that i have looked for it?

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