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Compare Aciphex vs. Prilosec OTC

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Rabeprazole (Aciphex) and omeprazole (Prilosec) are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat conditions involving too much stomach acid, such as GERD and ulcers. Rabeprazole is available only by prescription, while omeprazole can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription. You typically take rabeprazole once a day, and it can be taken with or without food, depending on the condition being treated. Omeprazole is usually taken once daily 30 minutes before breakfast. Common side effects of either medication include constipation, passing gas, headaches, and stomach pain. Both medications can increase the risk of bone fractures and may cause kidney problems or serious skin reactions. However, omeprazole is also known to interact with a wider range of medications, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) and St. John’s wort, which can affect its effectiveness.

  • Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
    Omeprazole (Prilosec)
  • Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
    Omeprazole (Prilosec)

  • Summary of Aciphex vs. Prilosec OTC

    Summary for PPI
    Prescription only

    Rabeprazole (Aciphex) is a medication used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving too much stomach acid. The dosage is typically once a day for most conditions. Rabeprazole (Aciphex) isn't know to cause many side effects, but some of the more common ones include constipation and passing gas. Long-term use of rabeprazole (Aciphex) raise the risk for more serious warnings, such as the risk of bone fractures.

    Summary for PPI

    Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Over-the-counter (OTC) omeprazole (Prilosec) can ease heartburn, while the prescription version can treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving too much stomach acid. Omeprazole (Prilosec) is taken by mouth, typically once daily 30 minutes before breakfast. Some of the more common side effects of omeprazole (Prilosec) include headache, stomach pain, and nausea. It's available as both brand name and generic medications.

  • Indications of Aciphex vs. Prilosec OTC

    Indications for

    For adults only:

    •Stomach or duodenal ulcer
    •Lower the risk of duodenal ulcer(s) caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

    For adults and children 12 years and older:

    •Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    Indications for

    For adults only:

    •Heartburn — OTC only
    •Stomach or duodenal ulcer
    •Lower the risk of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

    For adults and children:

    •Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Inflamed esophagus due to GERD

  • Pros and Cons of Aciphex vs. Prilosec OTC

    Pros and Const for PPI
    Pros
    •Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •People with GERD can take this without regard to food
    •Can be taken once or twice a day
    Cons
    •Interacts with warfarin (Coumadin), which can raise the risk of bleeding
    •Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fracture
    •Might cause or worsen lupus
    •Tablets can't be crushed or chewed, which is inconvenient for people with trouble swallowing
    Pros and Const for PPI
    Pros
    •Typically few to no noticeable day-to-day side effects
    •Provides longer-lasting relief than some other heartburn medications
    •Can use for adults, as well as children with certain medical conditions
    •Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and clopidogrel (Plavix)
    •Won't provide immediate heartburn relief
    •Usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before eating a meal for best results
    •Not recommended for long-term treatment, except for certain conditions, because of risk of serious side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Aciphex vs. Prilosec OTC

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain (3%)
    •Sore throat (3%)
    •Passing gas (3%)
    •Infections (2%)
    •Constipation (2%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Headache (7%)
    •Belly pain (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Vomiting (3%)
    •Passing gas (3%)

    Children — similar to the above, with the addition of:

    •Respiratory system problems (up to 75%)
    •Fever (up to 33%)
    •Ear infection (up to 22%)

  • Warnings of Aciphex vs. Prilosec OTC

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of hiding symptoms of a more serious problem
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Severe infectious diarrhea
    •Risk of bone fractures
    •Skin reactions
    •Lupus
    •Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of hiding symptoms of a more serious problem
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Severe infectious diarrhea
    •Bone fractures
    •Skin reactions
    •Lupus
    •Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
    •Interaction with other medications
    •Inaccurate lab work

  • Prices with our coupons for Aciphex vs. Prilosec OTC

    Learn more about Rabeprazole
    Learn more about Omeprazole

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