From the FDA Drug Label
As shown in Table 5, the incidence of GU healing confirmed by endoscopy (dropouts counted as unhealed) with Famotidine was greater than placebo at Weeks 6 and 8 in the U. S. trial, and at Weeks 4,6 and 8 in the international trial.
Table 6: Patients with Improvement of Symptomatic GERD (N=376) Famotidine 20mg twice daily (N=154) Famotidine 40mg at bedtime (N=149) Placebo at bedtime (N=73) Week 6 82% a 69% 62% ap≤0.01 vs. placebo
The main difference between Maalox and Pepcid Complete (famotidine) is that Maalox is an antacid while Pepcid Complete is a combination of an antacid and an H2 blocker (famotidine).
- Maalox works by neutralizing stomach acid to provide quick relief from heartburn and acid reflux.
- Pepcid Complete works by both neutralizing stomach acid and reducing acid production in the stomach. The FDA drug label for Pepcid Complete (famotidine) 1 shows that it is effective in treating heartburn and acid reflux, but it does not provide a direct comparison with Maalox. Key points:
- Pepcid Complete is a combination of an antacid and an H2 blocker.
- Maalox is an antacid.
- Pepcid Complete may provide longer-lasting relief from heartburn and acid reflux due to its H2 blocker component.
From the Research
Pepcid Complete is generally more effective than Maalox for treating heartburn and acid reflux due to its dual action of neutralizing acid immediately and reducing acid production for longer-lasting relief, up to 12 hours. Maalox is an antacid containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide that neutralizes stomach acid immediately but only provides short-term relief, typically lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours, making it best for occasional, mild heartburn 2. Pepcid Complete, on the other hand, contains famotidine (an H2 blocker) plus antacids, which provides longer-lasting relief. For frequent or more severe heartburn, Pepcid Complete is more effective due to its dual action and longer duration.
The dosage for Maalox is typically taken as needed, 1-2 teaspoons or tablets, while Pepcid Complete is usually taken as one tablet daily. It's also important to note that Maalox may cause diarrhea or constipation in some users, while Pepcid Complete's side effects are less common but may include headache or constipation. If you're taking other medications, be aware that antacids like Maalox can interfere with absorption of certain drugs, so separate doses by 2 hours 2.
Some studies have shown that famotidine, the active ingredient in Pepcid Complete, can reduce oesophageal sensitivity to acid and provide relief from heartburn symptoms 3. Additionally, a study found that low-dose famotidine can prevent heartburn relapse after a test meal, suggesting that it can provide longer-lasting symptom control 4. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, as this could indicate a more serious condition.
In terms of evidence, a 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2RAs, like famotidine, are more effective than antacids for treating frequent heartburn 2. Another study published in 2003 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that acid suppressant therapy, including H2RAs, is more effective than placebo for short-term relief of heartburn in patients with persistent symptoms 5.
Overall, Pepcid Complete is a better option for treating heartburn and acid reflux due to its longer-lasting relief and dual action, making it a more effective choice for frequent or severe heartburn symptoms.