Axid

Who is Axid for ?

Axid is used to treat and prevent the recurrence of ulcers and to treat other conditions where the stomach makes too much acid. Axid also is used to treat or prevent occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach. Axid decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. Axid is available with and without a prescription. Axid is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Axid is a histamine-2 receptor blocker, or H2-blocker. Axid works in the stomach on a pump that releases hydrochloric acid when stimulated by histamine. Axid prevents histamine from stimulating this pump, thereby reducing the amount of acid that is released into the stomach.

When should I be careful taking Axid ?

Before taking Axid,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Axid or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin or antacids such as Maalox or Mylanta, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Axid, call your doctor.

Axid Side Effects

Although side effects from Axid are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• constipation
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• runny nose
• sneezing
• coughing
• sweating

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• hives
• itching
• wheezing
• difficulty breathing