Skip to main content

Compare
Tagamet HB vs. Prilosec OTC

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

Key takeaways

Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and omeprazole (Prilosec) are both used to treat heartburn and other stomach acid problems, but they belong to different classes of medications. Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that works by blocking acid production in the stomach, while omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that blocks the final step of acid production. Cimetidine can be taken multiple times a day and is available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms, whereas omeprazole is typically taken once daily, 30 minutes before breakfast. Omeprazole is also available OTC and by prescription. Cimetidine may start working faster but might not be as effective with long-term use, and it has more drug interactions compared to omeprazole. Omeprazole, on the other hand, provides longer-lasting relief but takes 1 to 4 days to fully work and is not recommended for long-term use due to potential serious side effects like bone fractures and kidney problems. Both medications can cause headaches and stomach issues, but omeprazole has a broader range of potential side effects, including severe diarrhea and low vitamin B12 levels.

Cimetidine

(Tagamet HB)

Get free coupons

Omeprazole

(Prilosec)

Get free coupons

Summary for Tagamet HB

Prescription or over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Tagamet HB

Pros and Cons for Tagamet HB

Pros

  • Available as an OTC product for heartburn only
  • Available as a tablets and an oral solution

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tagamet HB

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness

Warnings for Tagamet HB

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

Summary for Prilosec OTC

Prescription or over-the-counter

Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Over-the-counter (OTC) omeprazole (Prilosec) can ease heartburn, while the prescription version can treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving too much stomach acid. Omeprazole (Prilosec) is taken by mouth, typically once daily 30 minutes before breakfast. Some of the more common side effects of omeprazole (Prilosec) include headache, stomach pain, and nausea. It's available as both brand name and generic medications.

Indications for Prilosec OTC

For adults only:

For adults and children:

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

Pros and Cons for Prilosec OTC

Pros

  • Typically few to no noticeable day-to-day side effects
  • Provides longer-lasting relief than some other heartburn medications
  • Can use for adults, as well as children with certain medical conditions
  • Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prilosec OTC

Adults

  • Headache (7%)
  • Belly pain (5%)
  • Nausea (4%)
  • Diarrhea (4%)
  • Vomiting (3%)
  • Passing gas (3%)

Children — similar to the above, with the addition of:

  • Respiratory system problems (up to 75%)
  • Fever (up to 33%)
  • Ear infection (up to 22%)

Warnings for Prilosec OTC

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Tagamet HB vs. Prilosec OTC

Price Card Drug Icon
Cimetidine60 tablets / 400mg
$32.35$100.38
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Omeprazole30 capsules / 40mg
$8.60$104.49
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Heartburn and Gastric Ulcer drugs

Alka-seltzer vs. TagametTagamet vs. MaaloxTagamet vs. NexiumTagamet vs. PepcidTagamet vs. Prevacid
Tagamet vs. PrilosecTagamet vs. ProtonixTagamet vs. RolaidsTagamet vs. TumsZegerid vs. TagametAciphex vs. PrilosecAlka-seltzer vs. PepcidAlka-seltzer vs. RolaidsAlka-seltzer vs. TumsCarafate vs. PrilosecMaalox vs. RolaidsNexium vs. RolaidsOmeprazole vs. RolaidsPantoprazole vs. RolaidsPepcid vs. MaaloxPepcid vs. NexiumPepcid vs. Pepto-bismolPepcid vs. PrevacidPepcid vs. RolaidsPrilosec vs. PrevacidProtonix vs. PepcidTums vs. RolaidsZantac vs. RolaidsZegerid vs. PepcidZegerid vs. Rolaids

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.