What to know about using Pepcid for hives

Key takeaways

• Hives (urticaria) are itchy, raised skin welts often triggered by medication or food allergies, though the exact cause can be hard to identify. When hives last longer than 6 weeks, they’re considered chronic.
• Pepcid (famotidine), approved for heartburn, may be used off-label to help reduce chronic hives when other treatments don’t clear them up. It’s typically given alongside antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin).
• Treatment usually combines medications such as hydrocortisone creams, antihistamines, or steroids with home remedies like cool compresses and loose clothing. If hives persist beyond 6 weeks, talk with a doctor to rule out underlying conditions like autoimmune disorders.

Overview

Hives, also known as urticaria, are skin reactions that can occur due to certain food or medication allergies. They can result in raised bumps or welts on the skin that are red and itchy.

While hives may result from an allergic reaction, identifying the exact cause of hives poses a challenge. This is because it’s not always clear how the condition began.

Hives are usually temporary and may go away on their own. Typically, antihistamine medications such as Pepcid (famotidine) can help ease symptoms.

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Can Pepcid be used for hives?

Hives are typically caused by an allergic reaction, or chronic hives might be caused by autoimmune conditions. You may be familiar with common allergy treatments, such as antihistamines, that may be used to reduce hives as an allergy symptom.

Famotidine (Pepcid) is an antihistamine medication, but it isn’t typically associated with allergy treatments. Instead, it’s mostly approved for heartburn and similar digestive conditions. However, research suggests it may be a safe and effective option for helping to reduce chronic (long-term) or refractory (recurring) hives.

Because Pepcid isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hives, this is an off-label use. Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. It’s most commonly used when other treatments aren’t effective.

What can cause hives?

Hives are a type of immune reaction that develops very quickly. The most common allergic triggers of hives include medication and food allergies.

Common medications that may cause hives include:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin)
• antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Amoxil) and ampicillin
• sulfonylureas (a group of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes) such as glyburide, glimepiride, and glipizide (Glucotrol XL)

Various other factors can also cause your body’s immune system to overreact and result in hives, including:

• airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold
• contact allergens, such as saliva from cats or dogs
• infections
• insect bites and stings
• heat or sunlight
• pressure or rubbing from clothing
• vibratory urticaria, where the skin is exposed to repetitive friction from vibrations, such as a bumpy car ride

But, in some cases, hives may be part of a bigger immune response. Hives associated with other symptoms, such as wheezing, decreased blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or dizziness, could be due to anaphylaxis.

If you think you’re experiencing anaphylaxis, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.

What are chronic hives?

Chronic hives are hives that last longer than 6 weeks.

An autoimmune condition or physical stimulus is the most common cause of chronic hives. Very often, the cause is idiopathic, meaning the trigger is unknown. To find the cause of your hives, doctors may consider your medical history and run some tests.

How are hives typically treated?

Doctors typically recommend a combination of medication and home remedies to help treat hives.

Medications

Typically, the most common medications for the treatment of hives usually include:

• hydrocortisone topical creams, such as Cortef
• over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin)
• histamine type 2 receptor blockers, such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
• steroids for chronic hives, such as prednisone (Prelone) and methylprednisolone (Medrol)

As already mentioned, famotidine, the generic name for Pepcid, may be given in combination with these medications to help clear up hives.

If you have chronic hives that aren’t responding to the above treatments, a doctor may consider prescribing a biologic medication such as omalizumab (Xolair).

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Home remedies

Home remedies that may help include:

• covering the rash with a cool washcloth to help soothe any itching
• wearing loose clothing
• applying aloe vera gel to the area
• avoiding fragranced beauty products

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Summary

When it comes to treating hives, doctors typically recommend a combination of medication and home remedies. One option for chronic (long-term) hives is Pepcid, also known by its generic name famotidine. This can be used off-label as an alternative medication for chronic hives or in combination with antihistamines.

If you’re still experiencing hives after 6 weeks, it’s important to speak with a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

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