I've been doing the Pepcid thing for quite some time.  Without it, I turn beet red.

What works best for me is to take 60mg on an empty stomach about two hours prior to drinking.  Taking an additional one to two pills directly before that first beer seems to also help.

I've noticed however that the pepcid is less effective if I eat and consume alcohol at the same time.  I believe other posters relate similar experiences.  The odd thing is, I've noticed that I can eat a lot of pizza while drinking and I don't turn red.  I've done this several times.  Has anyone else had the same experience?  Is there something about tomato sauce?  Just curious.