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Protonix vs. Pepcid

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)

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Famotidine

(Pepcid)

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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 Pepcid

Prescription or over-the-counter

Famotidine (Pepcid) is a type of acid reducer called a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist. It helps treat problems caused by too much stomach acid. Over-the-counter famotidine (Pepcid or Pepcid AC) can help with heartburn in people who are 12 and up. Prescription-only famotidine is for people with more ongoing stomach acid problems and stomach or gut ulcers. This medication is taken by mouth once or twice a day. It usually starts to work within an hour and lasts several hours. Side effects include headache, dizziness, and constipation.

Indications for Pepcid

Pros and Cons for Pepcid

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Pepcid

Warnings for Pepcid

  • Confusion and other side effects related to the nervous system in some people
  • Masking of possible stomach cancer

Prices with our coupons for Protonix vs. Pepcid

Price Card Drug Icon
Pantoprazole30 tablets / 40mg
$9.87$16.47
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Price Card Drug Icon
Famotidine60 tablets / 20mg
$12.25$15.40
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