Prilosec and Prevacid are both effective PPIs for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease or stomach ulcer. Prilosec and Prevacid are PPI drugs, also known as omeprazole and lansoprazole.
Both come in brand names and generic names. Although both medications are used for stomach ulcers as PPI, they also have some effect, use, and cost-related differences.
Key Takeaways
- Prilosec and Prevacid are proton pump inhibitors for treating acid reflux and related conditions.
- Prilosec is available over the counter, while Prevacid requires a prescription.
- Prevacid may be more effective for some people, but Prilosec has fewer side effects.
Prilosec vs Prevacid
Prilosec is an effective medicine that is used to treat the multiple symptoms of Gastroesophageal disease and other stomach complications caused by excessive stomach acid. Prevacid is a drug that is used to aid ulcer as it controls excessive stomach acid and also reduce heart burn.
Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor or PPI. It works by inhibiting the proton pumps in our stomach that produce acid.
It is also known as omeprazole, which is the drug’s generic name. It is used for the treatment of diseases like stomach ulcers, GERD, erosive esophagitis, etc.
Doctors do not suggest this drug in pregnancy as it can increase some risks.
Prevacid is also a PPI widely used to treat GERD, ulcers, heartburn, acid surplus in the stomach, etc. Lansoprazole is the generic name of Prevacid. Additionally, this drug has some side effects, such as diarrhoea, headache, nausea, stomach inflammation, etc.
This drug should be taken as prescribed by the doctor, once daily before having the meal.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Prilosec | Prevacid |
|---|---|---|
| Conditions treated | Ulcers in the stomach, erosive esophagitis, etc. | Gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn, ulcers, etc. |
| Generic names | Omeprazole | Lansoprazole |
| Dosage | Two capsules daily (two times) for a week or 10 days. (Depends on the condition of the patient) | One capsule (15mg) per day for 4 weeks, 15 mg daily for long-term use. |
| Side effects | Diarrhoea, bone fracture, stomach problems, nausea, etc. | Drowsiness, headache, constipation, etc. |
| Cost | Less expensive than Prevacid. | More expensive than Prilosec. |
What is Prilosec?
Prilosec, also known as omeprazole, is an effective drug used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and other complications of the stomach raid by excessive stomach acid. Omeprazole should be taken before a meal. One can also take it with any food or on an empty stomach.
Prilosec is also used to treat frequent heartburn when acid reflux of the stomach happens. It is used for certain stomach and esophagitis problems.
But it is dangerous to use for immediate relief of heartburn. Prilosec is a fast-acting drug that is very useful for long-term use.
Prilosec is available as a prescription. One can also buy it over the counter.
Prilosec also has some side effects like headache, stomach inflammation, bone fracture, diarrhoea, nausea, etc. It can cause allergic reactions too.
People can also suffer from overdose symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, unclear vision, vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, etc.
This medicine comes in the form of 2-5 mg suspension and 10 mg suspension. 10mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg capsule forms are also available on the market. This drug should be stored in a dry and cool place, away from sunlight and heat.
It can also be stored at room temperature.
What is Prevacid?
Prevacid, also known as lansoprazole, is an effective drug. It is used to treat stomach ulcers, GRED, etc.
It helps to control stomach acid and is also used to treat a disease like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It also helps to reduce the symptoms such as heartburn and difficulty in swallowing.
It can also cause some serious allergic reactions in people with allergies.
Some research shows that this drug can be used safely during pregnancy. This is taken before the meal.
You can also take medicine in the morning before eating your breakfast. It should always be taken as per the doctor’s directions.
Prevacid is indicated in adults for short-term treatment. People who are allergic to lansoprazole should avoid Prevacid.
Prevacid comes in capsule forms, so you have to swallow the whole not to chew. Patients can take it via a nasogastric tube if there is any difficulty swallowing capsules.
It can be opened. This drug helps to heal acid damage to the stomach and helps to prevent cancer of the esophagus.
Prevacid may cause several side effects, including stomach pain, blood in urine, swelling, dizziness, diarrhoea, irregular heart rate, coughing, joint pain, skin rashes, etc. It may take 1 to 4 days to take action, and antacids may be taken along with its medication if needed.
It is available in 15 mg and 30 mg capsules and 15mg and 30mg orally disintegrating tablets.
Main Differences Between Prilosec and Prevacid
- Prilosec is known by its generic name omeprazole. On the other hand, Prevacid is also known as lansoprazole.
- Prilosec is used for the treatment of the patient with duodenal ulcers, GERD, stomach ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. On the other hand, Prevacid treats ulcers, GERD, heartburn, and surplus acid.
- Prilosec is slightly less effective than Prevacid. Prevacid is best for short-term treatments.
- Prevacid is more expensive than Prilosec.
- Prilosec is to be taken 2 times for 10 days daily. On the other hand, one can take Prevacid once a day for 4 weeks (15 mg) for short-term treatment.
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