Compare Protonix vs. Aciphex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Pantoprazole (Protonix) and Rabeprazole (Aciphex) are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat conditions involving too much stomach acid, such as GERD. Pantoprazole is available in both oral and intravenous forms, while Rabeprazole is only available orally. Pantoprazole is used for both adults and children aged 5 years and older, whereas Rabeprazole is prescribed for adults and children aged 12 years and older. Pantoprazole is typically taken once daily, but can be taken twice daily for certain conditions, while Rabeprazole is usually taken once daily, with specific dosing for different conditions. Common side effects of Pantoprazole include headache and diarrhea, whereas Rabeprazole may cause constipation and passing gas. Both medications have serious warnings for long-term use, such as the risk of bone fractures and kidney problems. However, Rabeprazole is also used to lower the risk of duodenal ulcers caused by *H. pylori* infection, which is not an indication for Pantoprazole.
- Pantoprazole (Protonix)Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
- Pantoprazole (Protonix)Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
Summary of Protonix vs. Aciphex
Summary for Proton pump inhibitorPrescription onlyPantoprazole (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 PPIPrescription onlyRabeprazole (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 Protonix vs. Aciphex
Indications for•Short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)•Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)Indications forFor adults only:
•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 Protonix vs. Aciphex
Pros and Const for Proton pump inhibitorPros•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 swallowingCons•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-counterPros and Const for PPIPros•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 dayCons•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 swallowingCommon Side Effects of Protonix vs. Aciphex
Common Side Effects forPlease note: Side effect percentages are listed for adults with GERD.
Common Side Effects for•Pain (3%)•Sore throat (3%)•Passing gas (3%)•Infections (2%)•Constipation (2%)Warnings of Protonix 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 workCommon 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 medicationsPrices with our coupons for Protonix vs. Aciphex
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