From the Research
There is no established link between Pepcid (famotidine) and papilledema, as the medication's known side effects do not include this condition 1, 2. Famotidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist commonly used to reduce stomach acid production for conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers. Papilledema is swelling of the optic nerve head typically caused by increased intracranial pressure, with the most common cause being idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) 3, 4. The known side effects of famotidine primarily include headache, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea, but not papilledema 1, 2. If someone experiences visual disturbances, severe headaches, or other neurological symptoms while taking famotidine, they should seek immediate medical attention as these could indicate a serious condition unrelated to the medication. The blood-brain barrier generally limits famotidine's penetration into the central nervous system, which makes neurological side effects uncommon 1. However, individual reactions to medications can vary, and any concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider promptly. Key considerations in the diagnosis of papilledema include measuring blood pressure, ruling out pseudopapilledema, and performing magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbits with venography sequences to look for indirect imaging signs of increased ICP 3. Treatment for patients with papilledema should be targeted toward the underlying etiology, with most patients with IIH responding to weight loss and oral acetazolamide 3, 4. In patients not in a typical demographic group for IIH, further investigations should be conducted to assess for underlying causes of increased ICP, including magnetic resonance imaging of the neck and spine, magnetic resonance angiography of the brain, computed tomography of the chest, complete blood count, and creatinine testing 3. Given the lack of evidence linking famotidine to papilledema, the use of Pepcid is not contraindicated in patients with papilledema, but any new or worsening neurological symptoms should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider 3, 1.