Pepcid Complete Berry Chewable Tablets, 25s — Dual-Action Fast & Long-Lasting Heartburn & Acid Indigestion Relief

Pepcid Complete Berry Chewable Tablets are a trusted, over-the-counter (OTC) dual-action antacid and acid reducer formulated for adults and children aged 12 years and above. Each pack contains 25 chewable tablets in a pleasant berry flavour, combining two complementary mechanisms of action to deliver both fast-acting and long-lasting relief from heartburn and acid indigestion in a single convenient tablet.

What sets Pepcid Complete apart from standard antacids is its unique dual-action formula — an antacid component that neutralises acid immediately, paired with famotidine, an H2 blocker that reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces over time. If you are looking to buy Pepcid Complete Berry Chewable Tablets in Kenya, this product offers one of the most comprehensive approaches to heartburn and acid indigestion treatment in Kenya available without a prescription.

Key Benefits

• Dual-action formula — antacid neutralises acid fast while famotidine prevents excess acid production for longer relief
• Provides both immediate and sustained relief in a single dose
• Pleasant berry flavour makes chewing the tablet easy and convenient — no water needed
• Chewable format is ideal for on-the-go use — at work, after meals, or when travelling
• Suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and above
• 25-tablet pack provides a generous supply for ongoing symptom management
• OTC — no prescription required at recommended doses
• Clinically established ingredients with a well-documented safety and efficacy profile

What It Is & How It Works

Active Ingredients

Each chewable tablet contains:

How Each Ingredient Works

• Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by blocking histamine H2 receptors on the acid-secreting parietal cells of the stomach lining. This reduces the volume and concentration of hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach, providing sustained acid control that can last up to 12 hours
• Calcium Carbonate is a fast-acting alkaline antacid that directly reacts with and neutralises hydrochloric acid in the stomach within minutes of ingestion, providing rapid relief from the burning sensation of heartburn and acid indigestion
• Magnesium Hydroxide acts as a complementary antacid, neutralising residual stomach acid and buffering gastric pH. It also helps offset the mild constipating effect that calcium carbonate can cause, contributing to a more balanced gastrointestinal response

Why Dual-Action Matters

Standard antacids neutralise acid that is already present but do not prevent further acid production — relief can be short-lived. H2 blockers like famotidine reduce acid production but may take 30–60 minutes to take full effect. Pepcid Complete combines both approaches in a single tablet, delivering fast relief through the antacid components while the famotidine provides sustained, longer-lasting acid control.

Classification

This product is classified as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) medicine. It can be purchased without a prescription in Kenya. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if you experience frequent or severe heartburn, as this may indicate an underlying condition requiring medical assessment.

Formulation

Chewable tablets. Each pack contains 25 tablets. Tablets must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing — do not swallow whole. No water is required, making this product highly convenient for use anywhere.

Uses & Indications

Pepcid Complete Berry Chewable Tablets may be used for the relief of:

• Heartburn — the burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by acid reflux
• Acid indigestion — discomfort and burning in the upper stomach associated with excess acid
• Sour stomach — a feeling of acidity, fullness, or discomfort after eating
• Heartburn and indigestion triggered by food and drink — including spicy foods, fatty meals, citrus, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
• Occasional upset stomach associated with overindulgence in food or drink

IMPORTANT: This product is intended for occasional use for the relief of episodic heartburn and acid indigestion. It is NOT intended for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD), peptic ulcer disease, or other chronic acid-related conditions, which require medical diagnosis and treatment.

Dosage & Administration

NOTE: Use only as directed on the label or by a pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of use.

Administration Instructions

• Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing — do not swallow whole
• No water is needed, but water may be taken if preferred
• May be taken with or without food
• For best results, take at the onset of heartburn symptoms or up to 60 minutes before meals or activities known to trigger heartburn
• Do not take more than 2 tablets in any 24-hour period
• Do not use for more than 14 consecutive days without consulting a healthcare provider
• If symptoms recur after completing a 14-day course, consult a doctor before repeating use
• Do not use as a preventive measure on a continuous daily basis without medical guidance

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Pepcid Complete Berry Chewable Tablets may cause side effects in some people. These are generally uncommon when used at recommended doses. Stop use and consult your pharmacist or doctor if you experience any of the following:

Common

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation — related to calcium carbonate content; ensure adequate fluid and fibre intake
• Diarrhoea — related to magnesium hydroxide content

Less Common

• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue or weakness

WARNING: Rare but serious — seek immediate medical attention if you experience: severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing), severe stomach pain, blood in stool or vomit, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss. These may be signs of a more serious underlying condition.

This is not a complete list of side effects. Consult a pharmacist or doctor for full information.

Warnings & Precautions

CONTRAINDICATION: Do NOT use if you are allergic to famotidine, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or any other H2 blocker or antacid ingredient in this product.

Do Not Use If You:

• Are under 12 years of age without specific medical advice
• Have difficulty swallowing or persistent trouble swallowing food
• Are experiencing chest pain, jaw pain, or arm pain — these may be signs of a heart attack, not heartburn; seek emergency medical attention immediately
• Have kidney disease — famotidine is renally excreted and may accumulate to harmful levels in renal impairment; consult a doctor before use

Use With Caution If You Have:

• Kidney disease or impaired renal function — both famotidine and magnesium may accumulate; seek medical advice before use
• Hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium levels) — calcium carbonate adds to the body’s calcium load
• A history of kidney stones — calcium supplementation may increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones in susceptible individuals
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) — check the label for phenylalanine content in the flavouring agents

Do Not Combine With:

• Other antacids or acid-reducing medicines (proton pump inhibitors, other H2 blockers) without pharmacist advice — combined use may result in excessive acid suppression
• Certain antibiotics, including atazanavir and some azole antifungals — famotidine reduces gastric acid and may impair their absorption; space doses appropriately
• Iron supplements and some other minerals — calcium carbonate can bind to and reduce the absorption of iron, zinc, and other minerals; take at least 2 hours apart
• Medicines requiring an acidic stomach environment for absorption — consult a pharmacist for a full interaction check

CLINICAL NOTE (Kenya-specific): Heartburn and acid indigestion are commonly reported in Kenya, often linked to dietary patterns including high consumption of spicy foods, ugali, and fried dishes, as well as increased coffee and tea intake. While Pepcid Complete is effective for occasional symptoms, frequent or severe heartburn — occurring more than twice a week — warrants medical evaluation to rule out peptic ulcer disease or Helicobacter pylori infection, both of which have significant prevalence in Kenya and require prescription treatment.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, contact a poison control centre or emergency services immediately.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat
• Keep away from moisture — chewable tablets may soften or stick together if exposed to humidity
• Keep the container tightly closed after each use
• Store out of reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
• Do not transfer tablets to another container
• Dispose of unused or expired tablets safely at your local registered pharmacy

Mandatory Disclaimer

Always read the label and use as directed. Do not exceed the stated dose. If your heartburn or acid indigestion symptoms persist for more than 14 days, recur frequently, or are accompanied by difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or blood in stool, stop use and consult a healthcare professional immediately. Frequent heartburn may be a sign of a more serious condition requiring medical diagnosis and treatment. This product information is provided for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical or pharmaceutical advice.

References

1. Johnson & Johnson — Pepcid Complete Official Product Information
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) — Acid Reflux, GERD & Heartburn: Treatment Overview