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Compare Zegerid vs. Pepcid AC

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

Key takeaways

Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) and famotidine (Pepcid AC) are both used to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid. But they have several differences. Zegerid combines a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) with an antacid, which helps lower stomach acid and protect the omeprazole from being broken down by stomach acid. Famotidine, on the other hand, is a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist that reduces the amount of acid released by the stomach lining. Zegerid is typically taken once daily, while famotidine is usually taken twice a day. Zegerid is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, and it comes in capsule and liquid forms. Famotidine is also available OTC and by prescription, but it comes in tablet and liquid forms. Zegerid can take 1 to 4 days to ease heartburn, whereas famotidine starts working within 1 hour. Long-term use of Zegerid can lead to side effects like bone fractures and low magnesium levels, while famotidine is generally well-tolerated but can cause headaches and dizziness.

drug combination

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  • Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
    Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
  • Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
    Famotidine (Pepcid AC)

  • Summary of Zegerid vs. Pepcid AC

    Summary for PPI / Antacid

    Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is a combination medication used to treat conditions related to having too much stomach acid. This medication is typically taken by mouth once daily. But don't take it longer than what your provider recommends. Doing so raises your risk for side effects, such as bone fractures or low magnesium levels. Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is available as a powder that can be made into a liquid suspension for people who have trouble swallowing pills.

    Summary for Histamine H2 antagonist

    Famotidine (Pepcid AC) is a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist that's used to treat conditions that cause too much stomach acid to build up, such as heartburn and stomach or intestinal ulcers (sores). It starts to work within an hour and lasts for several hours. It's available as a tablet and a liquid, and is taken by mouth twice per day. Side effects of famotidine (Pepcid AC) include headache, dizziness, and constipation.

  • Indications of Zegerid vs. Pepcid AC

    Indications for

    Prescription-strength Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsules and suspension:

    •Stomach ulcer
    •Duodenal (first part of small intestine) ulcer
    •Heartburn and other symptoms related gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) due to GERD
    •Lower the risk of stomach bleeding in hospitalized people (suspension only)

    OTC Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsules:

    •Frequent heartburn

    Konvomep (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) suspension:

    •Stomach ulcer
    •Lower the risk of stomach bleeding in hospitalized people
    Indications for

    Over-the-counter (OTC) famotidine

    •Prevention and treatment of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)

    Prescription famotidine

    •Gastric ulcer (open sore in the stomach)
    •Duodenal ulcer (open sore in the first part of the small intestine)
    •Heartburn (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis due to GERD (inflammation of the esophagus)
    •Other conditions that cause too much stomach acid secretion (i.e., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

  • Pros and Cons of Zegerid vs. Pepcid AC

    Pros and Const for PPI / Antacid
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Packet form is a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Typically taken once daily
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    •Longer-lasting relief than some other medications for heartburn
    Cons
    •Takes 1 to 4 days to ease heartburn
    •Has sodium, so not a good option for people on sodium-restricted diets
    •Typically has to be taken on an empty stomach before meals for best results
    •Can interact with other medications
    •Long-term use can weaken your bones and cause low vitamin B12 and magnesium
    Pros and Const for Histamine H2 antagonist
    Pros
    •Starts to work within an hour and lasts for up several hours
    •Available as both a generic and over-the-counter option
    •If needed, can be used with some other acid-lowering medications, such as antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate (Tums)) or PPIs
    •Generally well-tolerated with little side effects
    •Available as a oral suspension, a good option for people who can't swallow tablets
    Cons
    •Antacids start to work more quickly than famotidine (Pepcid AC)
    •PPIs work better at healing and preventing stomach ulcers than famotidine (Pepcid AC).
    •Needs to be taken twice daily for most conditions
    •Not the best option for people with kidney problems

  • Common Side Effects of Zegerid vs. Pepcid AC

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (3-7%)
    •Stomach pain (2-5%)
    •Diarrhea (3-4%)
    •Nausea (2-4%)
    •Gas (3%)
    •Vomiting (2-3%)

    Please note: These side effects were reported in clinical trials by people who took omeprazole only. The side effects you experience from Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) might differ.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Zegerid vs. Pepcid AC

    Common Side Effects for
    •Follow up with provider needed
    •Kidney damage
    •Severe skin reactions
    •High sodium content
    •Acid and base out of balance (Milk-alkali syndrome)
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Bone fractures
    •Lupus
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
    •Small growths in the stomach
    Common Side Effects for
    •Agitation, confusion, and other brain-related side effects
    •Possible risk of cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Zegerid vs. Pepcid AC

    Learn more about Zegerid
    Learn more about Famotidine

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