Difference between Zantac, Prilosec and Nexium
There are many different types of hyperacidity medications available on the market today, and among the ones often prescribed are Zantac, Prilosec, and Nexium. While you may think that any one of these three will work for you, the differences between them require you to check with a doctor prior to taking them. In this comparison article, we cover some of their more important differences.
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Zantac is a medication that belongs to the histamine-2 blockers category. It works by reducing the amount of stomach acids produced by your body.
Prilosec is a type of drug known as a proton pump inhibitor. Its main ingredient, Omeprazole, works to reduce the amount of acids produced by the stomach.
Nexium is also a type of proton pump inhibitor, and it has a similar effect of reducing the amount of stomach acid produced by the body.
What It’s Used For
Zantac is commonly used in the treatment and prevention of stomach and intestinal ulcers. The medication is also used in the treatment of conditions in which there is excessive acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Finally, Zantac can also be used in the treatment of various forms of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Prilosec is commonly prescribed as a treatment for GERD as well, and it is also used to treat conditions in which stomach acids damage the esophagus, such as erosive esophagitis.
Nexium is often used in the treatment of GERD, as well as various other conditions that are characterized by excessive stomach acids, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Like Prilosec, Nexium is also used as a remedy for erosive esophagitis.
Risks and Precautions
Patients who use Zantac are at increased risk of developing pneumonia. The medication may also produce symptoms such as chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, and coughing with mucus. Before taking Zantac, it would be best to consult with your doctor with regard to pneumonia risks.
Prilosec should not be taken by patients with allergies to omeprazole or any other type of benzimidazole-based medication such as albendazole and mebendazole. Care should also be taken by patients suffering from liver disease or heart disease.
Nexium should not be taken by people with allergies to esomeprazole or any other type of benzimidazole-based medication. These medications include albendazole and mebendazole, which is sold under the name Vermox.
Patients with liver diseases should also consult with a doctor before taking Nexium.
Similarities and Differences
Zantac
- Belongs to the histamine-2 blockers category
- Works by reducing the amount of stomach acids produced by the body
- Users are at increased risk of developing pneumonia
Prilosec
- A type of drug known as a proton pump inhibitor
- Commonly prescribed as a treatment for GERD
- Also used to treat conditions in which stomach acids damage the esophagus
Nexium
- Also a type of proton pump inhibitor
- Often used in the treatment of GERD
- Also used as a remedy for erosive esophagitis
