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Compare Pantoprazole vs. Omeprazole

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

Key takeaways

Pantoprazole (Protonix) and omeprazole (Prilosec) are both proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications. They’re FDA approved to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other gastrointestinal conditions. Pantoprazole is available by prescription only, while several forms of omeprazole are available over the counter. Both medications are typically taken once a day. Usually, it’s best to take omeprazole without food. Pantoprazole tablets, however, can be taken with or without food. Omeprazole is known to have more drug interactions than pantoprazole, but they have similar side effects.

drug combination

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Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Summary of Pantoprazole vs. Omeprazole

Summary for Proton pump inhibitor
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).

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 Pantoprazole vs. Omeprazole

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

Pros and Const for Proton pump inhibitor
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
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 Pantoprazole vs. Omeprazole

Common Side Effects for
•Headache (12%)
•Diarrhea (9%)
•Nausea (7%)
•Belly pain (6%)

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

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 Pantoprazole vs. Omeprazole

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
•Bone fractures
•Skin reactions
•Lupus
•Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
•Interaction with other medications
•Inaccurate lab work

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