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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)

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Rabeprazole

(Aciphex)

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Summary for Omeprazole

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 Omeprazole

For adults only:

For adults and children:

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

Pros and Cons for Omeprazole

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 Omeprazole

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 Omeprazole

  • 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

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

Prices with our coupons for Omeprazole vs. Aciphex

Price Card Drug Icon
Omeprazole30 capsules / 40mg
$8.60$104.49
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Rabeprazole DR30 tablets / 20mg
$17.00$89.96
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