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Compare Tagamet HB vs. Protonix

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

Key takeaways

Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and pantoprazole (Protonix) are both used to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid, but they belong to different drug classes and have some key differences. Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that can be bought over-the-counter for heartburn or prescribed for more serious conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers. Pantoprazole, on the other hand, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is only available by prescription and is used for similar conditions, including GERD and erosive esophagitis. Cimetidine can be taken multiple times a day, while pantoprazole is typically taken once daily. Cimetidine has more drug interactions and might not work as well for long-term use, whereas pantoprazole has fewer interactions but carries risks like bone fractures and low magnesium levels with long-term use. Both medications can cause headaches and diarrhea, but pantoprazole has additional side effects like nausea and belly pain.

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
    Pantoprazole (Protonix)
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
    Pantoprazole (Protonix)

  • Summary of Tagamet HB vs. Protonix

    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 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).

  • Indications of Tagamet HB vs. Protonix

    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
    •Short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

  • Pros and Cons of Tagamet HB vs. Protonix

    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 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

  • Common Side Effects of Tagamet HB vs. Protonix

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Belly pain (6%)

    Please note: Side effect percentages are listed for adults with GERD.

  • Warnings of Tagamet HB vs. Protonix

    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
    •Inaccurate lab work

  • Prices with our coupons for Tagamet HB vs. Protonix

    Learn more about Cimetidine
    Learn more about Pantoprazole

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