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Compare Prilosec OTC vs. Prevacid

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

Key takeaways

Omeprazole (Prilosec) and Lansoprazole (Prevacid) are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat conditions like heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While both medications are available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, they differ in their dosing strengths and some specific uses. Omeprazole (Prilosec) is available in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg prescription strengths, while Lansoprazole (Prevacid) comes in 15 mg and 30 mg strengths. Omeprazole (Prilosec) is typically taken once daily, 30 minutes before breakfast, whereas Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is also taken once daily but can be taken before any meal. Both medications can cause similar side effects like headache and stomach pain, and may take a few days to start working fully, making them less suitable for immediate relief. Additionally, long-term use of both medications can lead to risks like bone fractures and low vitamin B12 levels. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine which medication is best for your specific needs.

  • Omeprazole (Prilosec)
    Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
  • Omeprazole (Prilosec)
    Lansoprazole (Prevacid)

  • Summary of Prilosec OTC vs. Prevacid

    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

    Lansoprazole (Prevacid) a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). It treats heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other similar conditions by lowering the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is available over the counter (OTC) for adults only, while providers can prescribe lansoprazole (Prevacid) for children and adults. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is taken by mouth, typically once daily for most conditions. Although there aren't many noticeable side effects on a day-to-day basis, long-term use of lansoprazole (Prevacid) can raise certain risks like bone fractures.

  • Indications of Prilosec OTC vs. Prevacid

    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:

    •Frequent heartburn (2 or more days a week) - OTC only
    •Stomach or duodenal ulcer
    •Lower the risk of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
    •Lower the risk of stomach ulcer due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

    For adults and children:

    •Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis (EE)

  • Pros and Cons of Prilosec OTC vs. Prevacid

    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 over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
    •Capsules can be opened and sprinkled over soft foods (e.g., applesauce, yogurt)
    •Typically few to no noticeable day-to-day side effects
    Cons
    •Takes about 3 days for the medication to fully kick in, so not the best choice for immediate heartburn relief
    •Might cause or worsen lupus
    •Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fracture
    •Can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels

  • Common Side Effects of Prilosec OTC vs. Prevacid

    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
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Belly pain (2%)

  • Warnings of Prilosec OTC vs. Prevacid

    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
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Prilosec OTC vs. Prevacid

    Learn more about Omeprazole
    Learn more about Lansoprazole

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