Skip to main content

Compare PEPCID® to Other OTC Heartburn Medications

Compare over-the-counter heartburn medications, including Histamine-2 (H2) blockers, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Please speak with your healthcare provider about which treatment may be right for you.

Pepcid logo versus other over-the-counter heartburn relief medication

PEPCID® vs ZANTAC 360°®

Both PEPCID® and ZANTAC 360°® are a H2 blocker with the active ingredient famotidine. Famotidine helps relieve heartburn by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.

PEPCID® is the original famotidine brand and has been clinically proven to be safe and effective at providing fast heartburn relief for 35 years when used as directed. Backed by 50+ clinical studies, PEPCID® is the #1 doctor recommended acid reducer brand in the market. Explore more here — PEPCID® vs ZANTAC 360°®.

Find a Heartburn Medicine That May Be Right for You

Explore the heartburn medicine comparison chart below to compare Maximum Strength PEPCID AC®, Original Strength PEPCID AC® and PEPCID COMPLETE® to ZANTAC 360°® Maximum Strength and ZANTAC 360°® Original Strength, as well as other OTC heartburn medicines. Understand the differences between brands to help determine which over-the-counter heartburn medication might be right for you.

Pepcid Complete bottles and flavors
compare-tums

Classification

H2 Blocker + Antacid

Antacid

Active Ingredient

Famotidine, Calcium Carbonate

Calcium Carbonate

Adult Dosing

1 chewable tablet

2-4 tablets

Intended Use

Treats unexpected heartburn

Controls acid all night2

Treats unexpected heartburn

Onset of Heartburn Relief

Starts to work in seconds4

Starts to work in seconds4

Duration of Acid Control or Neutralization

Up to 12 hours2

Up to 12 hours2

Form

Chewable Tablet

Chewable Tablet

Original Famotidine Brand, Clinically Proven Heartburn Relief for 35 Years


#1 Doctor Recommended Acid Reducer Brand


#1 Gastroenterologist Recommended Acid Reducer H2 Blocker Brand


Backed by 50+ Clinical Studies


1. Starts to relieve heartburn in 15-30 minutes.
2. Based on 9 hour acid control studies during the day and 12 hour acid control studies at night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.
3. Prevents heartburn if taken 10-60 minutes before a meal.
4. Starts to neutralize acid on contact.
5. Prevents heartburn if taken 15-60 minutes before a meal.

Third party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

Why Choose PEPCID®

PEPCID® is an H2 blocker that provides relief for occasional heartburn in just 15-30 minutes and helps control acid all day or all night.* As the #1 doctor recommended and #1 selling brand for preventing and relieve heartburn fast, PEPCID® products contain the active ingredient famotidine, an H2 blocker that helps relieve heartburn by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. For 35 years backed by 50+ clinical studies, PEPCID® has provided safe and effective heartburn relief when used as directed. Learn more about PEPCID®.

PEPCID® is an FDA approved, safe and effective remedy to relieve symptoms of occasional heartburn when used as directed.

PEPCID® provides fast heartburn relief in minutes and lasts all day.**

*Based on 9-hour acid control studies during the day and 12-hour acid control studies during the night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.
**Starts to relieve heartburn in 15-30 minutes. Based on 8 hours of symptom relief studies during the day.

See Why PEPCID® Could Work for You

Pepcid logo versus PPI or antacid heartburn relief medication

H2 Blocker vs. Antacid vs. PPI

Better understand the types of heartburn treatments and determine which is right for your symptoms.

Pepcid AC Maximum Strength, Pepcid Complete, Pepcid Complete Travel, and Pepcid AC Original Strength

What Is PEPCID®?

PEPCID® is the original brand with the active ingredient famotidine which is a histamine-2 blocker (H2 blocker) that provides relief for occasional heartburn.