Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC for Heartburn and Gastric Ulcer: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Esomeprazole

(Nexium)

Omeprazole

(Prilosec)

Summary for Nexium

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 Nexium

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 Nexium

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 Nexium

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 Nexium

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 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:

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 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

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 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 Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC

Esomeprazole30 capsules / 40mg

$13.25$23.12

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Omeprazole30 capsules / 40mg

$8.60$104.46

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Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC

Esomeprazole

Omeprazole

Summary for Nexium

Indications for Nexium

Pros and Cons for Nexium

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Nexium

Warnings for Nexium

Summary for Prilosec OTC

Indications for Prilosec OTC

Pros and Cons for Prilosec OTC

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prilosec OTC

Warnings for Prilosec OTC

Prices with our coupons for Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC

Compare other Heartburn and Gastric Ulcer drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Esomeprazole

Omeprazole

Summary for Nexium

Indications for Nexium

Pros and Cons for Nexium

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Nexium

Warnings for Nexium

Summary for Prilosec OTC

Indications for Prilosec OTC

Pros and Cons for Prilosec OTC

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prilosec OTC

Warnings for Prilosec OTC