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Compare Omeprazole vs. Aciphex

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

Key takeaways

Omeprazole (Prilosec) and Rabeprazole (Aciphex) are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat conditions involving too much stomach acid, such as GERD and ulcers. Omeprazole is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, while Rabeprazole is only available by prescription. Omeprazole can be used by both adults and children, whereas Rabeprazole is approved for adults and children 12 years and older. Common side effects of Omeprazole include headache, stomach pain, and nausea, while Rabeprazole may cause constipation and passing gas. Both medications carry risks with long-term use, such as bone fractures and low vitamin B12 levels. Additionally, Omeprazole has more dosage options and can be taken in various forms, including capsules and granules, whereas Rabeprazole is typically taken as a tablet.

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

  • Summary of Omeprazole vs. Aciphex

    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Omeprazole vs. Aciphex

    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
    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)

  • Pros and Cons of Omeprazole vs. Aciphex

    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Omeprazole vs. Aciphex

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

  • Warnings of Omeprazole vs. Aciphex

    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
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Omeprazole vs. Aciphex

    Learn more about Omeprazole
    Learn more about Rabeprazole

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