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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)

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Omeprazole

(Prilosec)

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Summary for Aciphex

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.

Indications for Aciphex

For adults only:

For adults and children 12 years and older:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Pros and Cons for Aciphex

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

Common Side Effects for Aciphex

  • Pain (3%)
  • Sore throat (3%)
  • Passing gas (3%)
  • Infections (2%)
  • Constipation (2%)

Warnings for Aciphex

  • 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

Summary for Prilosec OTC

Prescription or over-the-counter

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 for Prilosec OTC

For adults only:

For adults and children:

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

Pros and Cons for Prilosec OTC

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

Common Side Effects for Prilosec OTC

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 for Prilosec OTC

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Rabeprazole DR30 tablets / 20mg
$17.00$89.96
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Price Card Drug Icon
Omeprazole30 capsules / 40mg
$10.62$19.27
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