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.
