Compare Protonix vs. Prevacid
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Pantoprazole (Protonix) and Lansoprazole (Prevacid) are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat conditions like GERD and excessive stomach acid. Pantoprazole (Protonix) is available only by prescription, while Lansoprazole (Prevacid) can be bought over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription. Pantoprazole (Protonix) can be taken orally or through an intravenous injection, whereas Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is only taken orally. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is available in both capsule and orally disintegrating tablet forms, which can be helpful if you have trouble swallowing pills. Both medications can cause side effects like diarrhea, stomach pain, and headache. Additionally, both medications can interact with other drugs, including with Edurant (rilpivirine), which is used to treat HIV.
- Pantoprazole (Protonix)Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- Pantoprazole (Protonix)Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Summary of Protonix vs. Prevacid
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 PPILansoprazole (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 Protonix vs. Prevacid
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:
•Frequent heartburn (2 or more days a week) - OTC only•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:
Pros and Cons of Protonix vs. Prevacid
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 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 effectsCons•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 fractureCommon Side Effects of Protonix vs. Prevacid
Common Side Effects forPlease note: Side effect percentages are listed for adults with GERD.
Common Side Effects for•Diarrhea (4%)•Belly pain (2%)Warnings of Protonix 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 workCommon 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 onlyPrices with our coupons for Protonix vs. Prevacid
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