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Compare Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC

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

  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
    Omeprazole (Prilosec)
  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
    Omeprazole (Prilosec)

  • Summary of Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC

    Summary for PPI

    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.

    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 Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC

    Indications for

    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
    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 Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC

    Pros and Const for PPI
    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
    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 Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC

    Common Side Effects for
    •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%)
    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 Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC

    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
    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 Nexium vs. Prilosec OTC

    Learn more about Esomeprazole
    Learn more about Omeprazole

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