From the Guidelines
Yes, Pepcid (famotidine) can cause dry mouth as a side effect, as noted in the management of immunotherapy-related toxicities guidelines 1. This occurs in approximately 1-2% of people who take the medication. Pepcid works by reducing stomach acid production by blocking histamine H2 receptors in the stomach lining. However, these receptors are also present in salivary glands, and when blocked, can lead to decreased saliva production resulting in dry mouth.
If you experience this side effect, staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, using alcohol-free mouthwash, or sucking on sugar-free candies may help alleviate symptoms, as recommended for mild dry mouth cases 1. Most side effects of Pepcid, including dry mouth, are typically mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
For moderate or severe dry mouth, holding immunotherapy and considering additional treatments such as prednisone, systemic sialagogues, or referral to rheumatology and dentistry may be necessary 1. It's essential to consult your healthcare provider if dry mouth persists or becomes severe, as they may recommend adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication. Other common side effects of Pepcid may include headache, dizziness, and constipation.
In managing dry mouth, it's crucial to follow the guidelines for assessment and grading, and to consider the impact of immunotherapy on oral health 1. The NCCN guidelines provide a comprehensive approach to managing immunotherapy-related toxicities, including dry mouth, and emphasize the importance of monitoring and addressing these side effects to improve patient outcomes 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Gastrointestinal: elevated liver enzymes, vomiting, nausea, abdominal discomfort, anorexia, dry mouth
- Dry mouth is listed as an adverse reaction that occurred in less than 1% of patients in clinical trials of Famotidine (Pepcid) 2.
- Famotidine can cause dry mouth.
From the Research
Medications that Cause Dry Mouth
- Several studies have investigated the relationship between medications and dry mouth, also known as xerostomia 3, 4, 5.
- A 2014 study found that nearly two-thirds of the most commonly prescribed medications can cause dry mouth, yet warnings about this adverse effect are not readily available to physicians, pharmacists, dentists, or patients 3.
- A 2017 systematic review identified 56 chemical substances with a higher level of evidence and 50 with a moderate level of evidence of causing salivary gland dysfunction, xerostomia, or subjective sialorrhea 4.
- A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis found that medication use was significantly associated with xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction in older adults, with the greatest risk found for drugs used for urinary incontinence 5.
Pepcid and Dry Mouth
- None of the provided studies specifically mention Pepcid (famotidine) as a medication that causes dry mouth.
- However, it is possible that Pepcid may cause dry mouth as an adverse effect, as many medications have been found to have this effect 3, 4, 5.
- Further research would be needed to determine the specific relationship between Pepcid and dry mouth.
Management of Dry Mouth
- Early recognition and management of dry mouth are essential to minimize damage and dysfunction and improve quality of life 6.
- Management strategies may include substitution or discontinuation of medications, oral or systemic therapy with sialogogues, administration of saliva substitutes, and use of electro-stimulating devices 4.
- Dental professionals play an important role in recognizing and managing dry mouth, and should examine the oral cavity carefully for signs of salivary gland dysfunction and provide appropriate management and preventive measures 6.