Esomeprazole vs. Pantoprazole for Heartburn and GERD: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Esomeprazole

(Nexium)

Pantoprazole

(Protonix)

Summary for Esomeprazole

Prescription or over-the-counter

Esomeprazole (Nexium) is a medication used to treat conditions that are caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn or acid reflux. It's available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC). Take esomeprazole (Nexium) an hour before a meal so that it can start working before you eat. It can take a couple days for you to feel its full effects, so consider taking other quick-acting antacids in the meantime until the medication effect kicks in.

Indications for Esomeprazole

For adults only:

Heartburn — OTC only
Lower the risk of stomach ulcer due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
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 for Esomeprazole

Pros

Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
Provides longer-lasting relief than some other heartburn medications
Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
Granules or pellets inside the capsules can be mixed with water or applesauce, so convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills

Cons

Takes 1 to 4 days for the medication to fully kick in, so not the best choice for immediate heartburn relief
Significant interaction with clopidogrel (Plavix), which can raise the risk of blood clot
Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fracture
Can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels

Common Side Effects for Esomeprazole

Headache (4-8%)
Belly pain (3-4%)
Diarrhea (2-4%)
Nausea (2%)
Passing gas (more than 1%)
Constipation (more than 1%)
Dry mouth (more than 1%)

Warnings for Esomeprazole

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

Summary for Pantoprazole

Prescription only

Pantoprazole (Protonix) is a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). It's used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children. It's also used to treat other conditions involving too much stomach acid, such as erosive esophagitis, in adults only. Pantoprazole (Protonix) is taken by mouth, typically once daily for most conditions. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include headache and diarrhea. Pantoprazole (Protonix) isn't available over-the-counter (OTC).

Indications for Pantoprazole

Short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Erosive esophagitis
Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

Pros and Cons for Pantoprazole

Pros

Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Oral tablets can be taken without regard to food
Available in oral granules and suspension for people with trouble swallowing

Cons

Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fractures
Might cause or worsen lupus
Interacts with warfarin (Coumadin), which can raise the risk of bleeding
Not available over-the-counter

Common Side Effects for Pantoprazole

Headache (12%)
Diarrhea (9%)
Nausea (7%)
Belly pain (6%)

Please note: Side effect percentages are listed for adults with GERD.

Warnings for Pantoprazole

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 Esomeprazole vs. Pantoprazole

Esomeprazole30 capsules / 40mg

$13.25$24.57

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Pantoprazole30 tablets / 40mg

$9.87$16.33

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Esomeprazole vs. Pantoprazole

Esomeprazole

Pantoprazole

Summary for Esomeprazole

Indications for Esomeprazole

Pros and Cons for Esomeprazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Esomeprazole

Warnings for Esomeprazole

Summary for Pantoprazole

Indications for Pantoprazole

Pros and Cons for Pantoprazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Pantoprazole

Warnings for Pantoprazole

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Esomeprazole

Pantoprazole

Summary for Esomeprazole

Indications for Esomeprazole

Pros and Cons for Esomeprazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Esomeprazole

Warnings for Esomeprazole

Summary for Pantoprazole

Indications for Pantoprazole

Pros and Cons for Pantoprazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Pantoprazole

Warnings for Pantoprazole