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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)

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Rabeprazole

(Aciphex)

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Summary for Protonix

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).

Indications for Protonix

Pros and Cons for Protonix

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

Common Side Effects for Protonix

  • Headache (12%)
  • Diarrhea (9%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Belly pain (6%)

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

Warnings for Protonix

  • 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 Protonix vs. Aciphex

Price Card Drug Icon
Pantoprazole30 tablets / 40mg
$9.87$16.47
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Rabeprazole DR30 tablets / 20mg
$17.00$89.96
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