Final answer:
Famotidine, an H₂ blocker, is used to reduce stomach acid production and relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn. It typically starts working within an hour with peak effects after 2 to 3 hours. Antacids, on the other hand, provide quicker relief by neutralizing stomach acid but do not reduce its production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Famotidine, which is sold under brand names such as Pepcid AC, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as H₂ blockers. These drugs are used to treat conditions like ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and excessive stomach acid production. Famotidine works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, thereby helping to alleviate the symptoms associated with acid reflux, such as heartburn.
When taking famotidine for acid reflux, patients often experience relief from symptoms within an hour, with the peak effect occurring after 2 to 3 hours. As an over-the-counter medication, it can be used to both prevent and treat heartburn symptoms that come with acid indigestion and sour stomach. It is essential to follow the instructions provided with the medication or given by a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use.
It is noteworthy that antacids perform a different function compared to H₂ blockers and proton-pump inhibitors, such as Omeprazole (Prilosec). Antacids provide symptom relief by neutralizing existing stomach acid, but they do not reduce the production of acid in the stomach. If an ulcer is due to an infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection, antibiotics are required to eradicate the bacterium for effective healing of the ulcer.
Lifestyle changes, such as diet and stress management, can also help reduce the symptoms and frequency of heartburn and GERD.