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Compare Tagamet HB vs. Nexium

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

Key takeaways

Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and esomeprazole (Nexium) are both used to treat conditions caused by too much stomach acid, but they belong to different drug classes. Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that works by blocking histamine in the stomach, which reduces acid production. Esomeprazole, on the other hand, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that blocks the final step of acid production in the stomach. Cimetidine can be taken up to four times a day and is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. Esomeprazole is typically taken once a day and is also available OTC and by prescription. Cimetidine may start working faster but might not be as effective with long-term use, whereas esomeprazole takes a few days to fully kick in but provides longer-lasting relief. Cimetidine has more drug interactions compared to esomeprazole, which can affect how other medications are absorbed or broken down in your body. Esomeprazole, however, has significant interactions with clopidogrel (Plavix) and can affect bone health with long-term use. Both medications have generic forms available.

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
    Esomeprazole (Nexium)
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
    Esomeprazole (Nexium)

  • Summary of Tagamet HB vs. Nexium

    Summary for Histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA)

    Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that lowers how much acid is made in the stomach. The over-the-counter (OTC) version relieves and prevents heartburn in people 12 years and older. Higher strengths of cimetidine are prescription only and are used to treat acid reflux, stomach and gut ulcers, and other stomach acid problems in people 16 years and older. Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) is taken by mouth one to four times a day, depending on what stomach problem you have. This medication has few side effects, which can include headache, dizziness, and diarrhea.

    Summary for PPI

    Esomeprazole (Nexium) is a medication used to treat conditions that are caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn or acid reflux. It's available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC). Take esomeprazole (Nexium) an hour before a meal so that it can start working before you eat. It can take a couple days for you to feel its full effects, so consider taking other quick-acting antacids in the meantime until the medication effect kicks in.

  • Indications of Tagamet HB vs. Nexium

    Indications for
    •Heartburn related to indigestion and sour stomach - OTC only
    •Erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - prescription only
    •Gastric and duodenal ulcers - prescription only
    •Conditions that cause too much stomach acid (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) - prescription only
    Indications for

    For adults only:

    •Heartburn — OTC only
    •Lower the risk of stomach ulcer due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
    •Lower the risk of duodenal ulcer 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:

    •Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Inflamed esophagus due to GERD

  • Pros and Cons of Tagamet HB vs. Nexium

    Pros and Const for Histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA)
    Pros
    •Available as an OTC product for heartburn only
    •Available as a tablets and an oral solution
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, including warfarin (Coumadin) and propranolol
    •Might not work as well as you continue taking the medication (when taken long-term)
    Pros and Const for PPI
    Pros
    •Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
    •Provides longer-lasting relief than some other heartburn medications
    •Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
    •Granules or pellets inside the capsules can be mixed with water or applesauce, so convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Takes 1 to 4 days for the medication to fully kick in, so not the best choice for immediate heartburn relief
    •Significant interaction with clopidogrel (Plavix), which can raise the risk of blood clot
    •Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fracture
    •Can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels

  • Common Side Effects of Tagamet HB vs. Nexium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (4-8%)
    •Belly pain (3-4%)
    •Diarrhea (2-4%)
    •Nausea (2%)
    •Passing gas (more than 1%)
    •Constipation (more than 1%)
    •Dry mouth (more than 1%)

  • Warnings of Tagamet HB vs. Nexium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Speak with provider if symptoms don't go away or come back
    •Confusion
    •Drug interactions
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Tagamet HB vs. Nexium

    Learn more about Cimetidine
    Learn more about Esomeprazole

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