Omeprazole Vs Famotidine

Introduction

It’s important to think of stomach acid levels as a spectrum. Too high and it can lead to extreme discomfort and pain; too low and it can prevent you from digesting food.

High levels of stomach acid can, in particular, be very concerning because they lead to the formation of painful peptic ulcers and cause all kinds of problems, such as acid reflux, ulcers, and even heartburn, among others. By contrast, low levels of stomach acid can slow down or even prevent the ability to digest food. Both conditions require proper treatment.

Doctors often prescribe Omeprazole and Famotidine to treat high levels of stomach acid. Both medications work similarly by reducing the production of stomach acid. Here’s an in-depth look at how the two work to reduce acidity levels in the stomach.

About Omeprazole and Famotidine

What is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a type of proton pump inhibitor that is used to treat a number of stomach problems by reducing high acidity levels. This makes the medication highly effective against indigestion, acid reflux, and heartburn. It may also be used to treat stomach ulcers.

Omeprazole works by suppressing stomach acid secretion that inhibits the H+/K+-ATPase system known as the acid pump within the gastric mucosa. The medication works by inhibiting the final steps of acid production.

What conditions is Omeprazole approved to treat?

Omeprazole has been approved for treating heartburn, peptic ulcer disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, erosive esophagitis, systemic mastocytosis, and duodenal ulcers, among others. Nearly all these conditions are caused by high acidity levels in the stomach, and that’s where Omeprazole comes in.

How does Omeprazole work for Heartburn?

Omeprazole is a class of medications that causes a prolonged reduction of stomach acid production. The medication does so by disrupting the stomach’s H⁺/K⁺ ATPase proton pump, making them one of the most effective inhibitors of acid secretion available. Proton pumps are the enzymes in the lining of the stomach that allow it to digest food.

The meditative effects of Omeprazole can take place in as little as 60 minutes of administration. The inhibitory effects can last anywhere from 48 to 72 hours after taking the medication. This is followed by a return to normal activity in about 55 days. The effects of the medication may plateau on the fourth day of the medication.

Omeprazole is metabolized by the P40 enzyme system, mainly via CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 isozymes. The primary route for excretion for omeprazole metabolism is urinary excretion. The medication has a half-life of 30 to 60 minutes in healthy subjects, which may increase to a half-life of three hours in individuals with hepatic impairment.

What is Famotidine?

Famotidine is a histamine receptor antagonist that lowers the amount of acid made in the stomach.

Histamine-2 receptor antagonists are well absorbed through oral dosing, with peak serum concentration occurring in just under two hours, with the effects lasting for about 12 hours. The medicine can be available over the counter or with a prescription.

What conditions is Famotidine approved to treat?

Famotidine is often used to treat ulcers of the intestines and stomach and can prevent intestinal ulcers. Like Omeprazole, Famotidine has been used to treat heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

How does Famotidine work for Heartburn?

The body produces a hormone called histamine that causes the stomach to produce acid. The production of histamine is triggered by the stimulation of gastrin and acetylcholine. When gastrin binds to certain receptors, it triggers the release of histamine, which then binds to other receptors that cause the stomach to make acid.

The effects of histamine can be blocked with the help of Famotidine, which prevents the stomach from producing too much acid. Famotidine may also act through other histamine generic mechanisms via gastric acid reduction by binding to histamine receptors. As a result, Famotidine can be used to treat a range of conditions, including heartburn, ulcers, or anything else that is caused by excessive acid in the stomach.

Effectiveness

How effective are Omeprazole and Famotidine for treating Heartburn?

Both Omeprazole and Famotidine are highly effective at regulating acid levels in the stomach and bringing them down to normal levels. It can take as little as 2 to 3 days for Omeprazole to work, but you should allow up to 4 weeks for the medication to work fully.

By contrast, Famotidine can start working in just under an hour, with its effects lasting for up to 12 hours. While Famotidine can bring relief much quicker, Omeprazole has been shown to provide longer-lasting relief. Making the decision to choose either one depends on your specific conditions, and you should consult with a doctor for accurate advice.

Dosage information

How is Omeprazole administered for Heartburn?

The standard dose for Omeprazole is 20 mg once a day before eating a meal in adults. Dosage requirements in children depend on their weight, age, and other conditions.

Side Effects

What are the most-common side effects of Omeprazole?

Here are the most common side effects of Omeprazole:

Headaches
Flatulence
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Are there any potential serious side effects of Omeprazole?

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

Stomach pain
Bleeding
Blisters on the lips
Fever
Frequent urination
Chills
Bloody urine
Ulcers in the mouth
Loss of appetite
Joint pain
Muscle aches
Pain
Red eyes
Sore throats
Itching
Confusion
Blurred vision
Excessive sweating
Dryness of the mouth

What are the most-common side effects of Famotidine?

Here are the most common side effects of Famotidine:

Weakness
Dizziness
Frequent changes to the mood
Difficulty sleeping
Nausea
Dry mouth
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Headache
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation

Are there any potential serious side effects of Famotidine?

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

Hallucinations
Disorientation
Dullness
Tiredness
Feeling fatigued
General tiredness
Seizures
Unusual drowsiness
Confusion
Delirium
Agitation

Contraindications and interactions

Warnings and general precautions for Omeprazole and Famotidine

The long-term side effects of taking Omeprazole for over 3 months include confusion, dizziness, and muscle twitching. This is primarily because the medication can lower blood levels. With that said, Omeprazole does not have black box warnings, making it a low-risk medication in the short run. However, the research indicates that long-term usage of Omeprazole could be linked to a greater risk of a heart attack.

Similarly, Famotidine also seems to have potential problems that stem from using it in the long run, including heart problems, mood disorders, seizures, and liver damage. This is why you should consult your doctor before taking Famotidine for the long term. Moreover, Famotidine is not right for you if you belong to one or more of the following categories:

Kidney problems
Allergic reactions to Famotidine or any of its ingredients
Being older than 65

Contraindications and important interactions for Omeprazole and Famotidine

Contraindications

Omeprazole

Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Omeprazole may not take the drug. These patients are at an increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria, bronchospasm, interstitial nephritis, and anaphylactic shock.

Famotidine

Patients with serious hypersensitivity to Famotidine or any ingredient used in the formation of the medicine may not take the drug. Studies have shown cross sensitivity of H2RAs, which means that Famotidine should not be administered to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cimetidine.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Omeprazole

Omeprazole may interact with warfarin, clopidogrel, and medications prescribed for HIV. Here is a more detailed list:

Abametapir
Acalabrutinib
Amphetamine
Atazanavir
Atezolizumab
Belumosudil
Belzutifan
Benzphetamine
Bosutinib
Capecitabine
Cilostazol
Citalopram
Clopidogrel
Clorazepate
Conivaptan
Dacomitinib
Dasabuvir
Dasatinib
Delavirdine
Dextroamphetamine
Elagolix
Erlotinib
Escitalopram
Eslicarbazepine Acetate
Fedratinib
Fexinidazole
Fosnetupitant
Gefitinib
Netupitant
Nilotinib
Octreotide
Ombitasvir
Palbociclib
Paritaprevir
Pazopanib
Pexidartinib
Ritonavir
Saquinavir
Secretin Human
Selpercatinib
Sotorasib
Sunitinib
Tacrolimus
Velpatasvir
Vismodegib
Voriconazole
Indinavir
Infigratinib
Ketoconazole
Ledipasvir
Lisdexamfetamine
Mavacamten
Methamphetamine
Methotrexate
Mycophenolate Mofetil
Nelfinavir
Neratinib

Famotidine

Bepridil
Cisapride
Mesoridazine
Pimozide
Piperaquine
Saquinavir
Sparfloxacin
Terfenadine
Thioridazine
Ziprasidone
Dronedarone
Levoketoconazole
Acalabrutinib
Adagrasib
Amiodarone
Amisulpride
Amprenavir
Anagrelide
Apomorphine
Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole Lauroxil
Arsenic Trioxide
Atazanavir
Buprenorphine
Bupropion
Buserelin
Ceritinib
Chloroquine
Citalopram
Clarithromycin
Clofazimine
Clothiapine
Clozapine
Crizotinib
Dabrafenib
Dasatinib
Degarelix
Delamanid
Delavirdine
Deslorelin
Deutetrabenazine
Dexmedetomidine
Domperidone
Donepezil
Efavirenz
Encorafenib
Entrectinib
Erlotinib
Escitalopram
Fexinidazole
Fingolimod
Fluconazole
Fluoxetine
Formoterol
Fosamprenavir
Foscarnet
Fostemsavir
Gefitinib
Glasdegib
Gonadorelin
Goserelin
Histrelin
Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxyzine
Infigratinib
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
Ivabradine
Ivosidenib
Ketoconazole
Ledipasvir
Lefamulin
Lenvatinib
Leuprolide
Levofloxacin
Lofexidine
Macimorelin
Methadone
Metronidazole
Mirtazapine
Mobocertinib
Moxifloxacin
Nafarelin
Neratinib
Octreotide
Ondansetron
Osilodrostat
Osimertinib
Oxaliplatin
Ozanimod
Pacritinib
Panobinostat
Pasireotide
Pazopanib
Pimavanserin
Pitolisant
Ponesimod
Posaconazole
Quetiapine
Ribociclib
Rilpivirine
Secretin Human
Selpercatinib
Sertraline
Sevoflurane
Siponimod
Solifenacin
Sotalol
Sotorasib
Sulpiride
Sunitinib
Tacrolimus
Tizanidine
Tolazoline
Trazodone
Triclabendazole
Triptorelin
Vandetanib
Vemurafenib
Vilanterol
Vinflunine
Vismodegib
Voclosporin
Zuclopenthixol

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Omeprazole

Foods to avoid when taking Omeprazole:

Fatty foods such as pizza, deep-fried chicken, and French fries
Garlic
Chocolate
Coffee
Peppermint
Onions
Certain spices

Beverages to avoid when taking Omeprazole:

Alcohol, wine, and beer
Acidic drinks

Supplements that may interact with Omeprazole:

Vitamin C supplementation

Famotidine

Foods to avoid when taking Famotidine:

Spicy foods
Greasy foods like pizza and fried chicken
Acidic foods such as citric fruits and garlic

Beverages to avoid when taking Famotidine:

Caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee
Carbonated beverages such as soda
Acidic drinks such as citrus fruits and juices
Alcohol

Supplements that may interact with Famotidine:

Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide

Cost Comparison

How much do Omeprazole and Famotidine cost?

Both Famotidine and Omeprazole are moderately priced and accessible to the general public. As OTC medicines, it is easy to acquire both medications. In general, the cost for famotidine oral tablets is about $14 for a supply of 24 tablets. By contrast, the cost of Omeprazole oral delayed release is $11 for a supply of 30 capsules.

Moreover, generic Omeprazole and Famotidine are covered by most Medicare and insurance plans. This marks both medications more accessible to the general public.

Popularity of Omeprazole and Famotidine

Both Famotidine and Omeprazole are commonly prescribed for treating heartache in patients. However, Omeprazole is more popular by several million, with over 56 million prescriptions in the US (²⁰²⁰). By contrast, Famotidine had only 10.4 million subscribers in 2020, which is nothing to scoff at but trails behind Omeprazole. This discrepancy in popularity may be due to the fact that Omeprazole is more effective in the long run.

Conclusion

Takeaway

So there you have it, an in-depth look at Omeprazole and Famotidine. Both medications are very effective at treating stomach problems stemming from high acidity levels. They are commonly prescribed for treating heartburn. However, data indicates that Omeprazole is more popular of the two primarily because it works more effectively in the long run.

With that said, the side effect profile of both medications is very similar. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking either medication.