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Compare Protonix vs. Pepcid AC

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

Key takeaways

Protonix (pantoprazole) is a medication that treats conditions in which your body creates too much stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Pepcid AC (famotidine) is a medication approved to treat heartburn. Protonix is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and it’s available by prescription only. Pepcid AC is a histamine-2 antagonist, and it’s available over the counter. Other forms of Pepcid are available by prescription and are approved to treat other conditions, including GERD. Both medications can cause stomach-related side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. But PPIs like Protonix may have more long-term side effects to consider, such as low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels, kidney problems, and bone fractures.

  • Pantoprazole (Protonix)
    Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
  • Pantoprazole (Protonix)
    Famotidine (Pepcid AC)

  • Summary of Protonix vs. Pepcid AC

    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 Histamine H2 antagonist

    Famotidine (Pepcid AC) is a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist that's used to treat conditions that cause too much stomach acid to build up, such as heartburn and stomach or intestinal ulcers (sores). It starts to work within an hour and lasts for several hours. It's available as a tablet and a liquid, and is taken by mouth twice per day. Side effects of famotidine (Pepcid AC) include headache, dizziness, and constipation.

  • Indications of Protonix vs. Pepcid AC

    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

    Over-the-counter (OTC) famotidine

    •Prevention and treatment of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)

    Prescription famotidine

    •Gastric ulcer (open sore in the stomach)
    •Duodenal ulcer (open sore in the first part of the small intestine)
    •Heartburn (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis due to GERD (inflammation of the esophagus)
    •Other conditions that cause too much stomach acid secretion (i.e., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

  • Pros and Cons of Protonix vs. Pepcid AC

    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 Histamine H2 antagonist
    Pros
    •Starts to work within an hour and lasts for up several hours
    •Available as both a generic and over-the-counter option
    •If needed, can be used with some other acid-lowering medications, such as antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate (Tums)) or PPIs
    •Generally well-tolerated with little side effects
    •Available as a oral suspension, a good option for people who can't swallow tablets
    Cons
    •Antacids start to work more quickly than famotidine (Pepcid AC)
    •PPIs work better at healing and preventing stomach ulcers than famotidine (Pepcid AC).
    •Needs to be taken twice daily for most conditions
    •Not the best option for people with kidney problems

  • Common Side Effects of Protonix vs. Pepcid AC

    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
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Protonix vs. Pepcid AC

    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
    •Agitation, confusion, and other brain-related side effects
    •Possible risk of cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Protonix vs. Pepcid AC

    Learn more about Pantoprazole
    Learn more about Famotidine

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