Pepcid vs. Prilosec

Introduction

Famotidine and Omeprazole are the brand names for Pepcid and Prilosec. These two drugs can treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But Pepcid can also manage Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and heartburn. They belong to different classes of drugs. Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), while Pepcid is an H2 blocker.

GERD involves the stomach contents coming back up to your esophagus. It is a long-lasting and severe condition that causes complications over time. This condition commonly causes symptoms such as:

Heartburn
The spitting up of food (regurgitation)

It develops when your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes when it shouldn’t.

About Pepcid And Prilosec

What Is Pepcid?

Pepcid is an H2-blocker that treats stomach and duodenal ulcers. It also prevents their recurrence. It is available as a generic drug.

What Conditions Is Pepcid Approved to Treat?

The FDA passed this drug’s approval in 1999. The FDA approved it to treat the following:

Duodenal ulcer
Gastric ulcer
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children and adults

It can also treat pathological hypersecretory conditions in adults.

How Does Pepcid Work for GERD?

Pepcid works by decreasing acid production in the stomach. It does so by blocking the histamine receptors in your stomach. These receptors cause high acid production.

Famotidine (Pepcid) is a histamine H-receptor antagonist that binds to the H-receptors. These H-receptors are on the basolateral membrane of the stomach’s parietal cell. They block histamine actions. The drug inhibits gastric secretion by reducing acid production. It also reduces secretion through food, insulin, and caffeine.

It performs the following functions:

It provides quick relief from heartburn
It controls acid for up to 12 hours
It prevents heartburn
It has a lot of pioneering research backing it

The drug does not contain ranitidine since FDA had asked for its withdrawal in ²⁰¹⁹.

What Is Prilosec?

Omeprazole is the brand name of Prilosec. It is a proton pump inhibitor that treats various conditions caused by stomach acid.

What Conditions Is Prilosec Approved to Treat?

The drug received its approval in ²⁰⁰³.

Prilosec treats the following conditions:

GERD
Hypersecretion of stomach acid
Ulcers
Other gastrointestinal issues

How Does Prilosec Work for GERD?

Prilosec blocks the enzyme that produces stomach acid. It also prevents the onset of ulcers in people who use NSAIDs frequently. Our proton pumps (H+ and K+) regulate the secretion of stomach acid. The more activated these pumps are, the higher the production of stomach acid.

The ATPase enzyme in our parietal cell membrane is another key actor in the equation. It controls their activation. It is like a machine that you can turn on to pump more acid into the stomach. But, Omeprazole hinders this action. It prevents the enzyme from turning on the proton pump. It can reduce or stop acid secretion for about 36 hours.

Effectiveness

How Effective Are Pepcid and Prilosec for GERD?

Both medications are effective but with minor differences in efficacy. While they both manage GERD symptoms well, Pepcid works faster. On the other hand, Prilosec provides longer-lasting relief.

Research shows that PPIs work better than H2 blockers for GERD symptoms. Even though Pepcid works faster, your body may get accustomed to it. As a result, you may not experience the results you desire. Prilosec may kick in slightly late, but its effects last longer. Instead of providing instant relief, it targets the production of acid at the source.

In the last 15 years, PPIs have caused a revolution in GERD treatment. Their widespread use is due to their ability to suppress acid. They also don’t have many side effects. In the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, about 2% of people use PPIs for about 3 months every year.

But, only medication won’t solve your health issues. It’s also important to make relevant lifestyle changes. This means you must avoid food items that cause heartburn. Eating smaller meals throughout the day is also beneficial. Here are some more lifestyle changes to consider adopting:

Losing weight if you’re obese and/or overweight
Quitting smoking
Raising your head during sleep (you can do it by placing an extra pillow or foam under your head)

Dosage Information

How Is Pepcid Administered?

Prescription Pepcid comes in two forms:

Suspension liquid
Tablet

Both forms are oral, and their dosage varies depending on the condition.

Over-the-counter Famotidine (Pepcid) comes in three forms:

A capsule
A chewable tablet
A tablet

Pepcid Dosage Information

The dosage of Pepcid can vary depending on the;

The individual's age
The severity of their problem and other factors.

How Is Prilosec Administered for GERD?

Prilosec is available in tablet form. You can prepare it in water and administer it orally. You can also administer it through a nasogastric or gastric tube. It’s important not to miss a dose. Here’s more information on Prilosec dosage.

Side Effects

Both Pepcid and Prilosec carry their own side effects. If you experience the following, speak to your doctor immediately. You can also stop your medicine if they advise.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Prilosec?

The most common side effects of Prilosec include the following;

Nausea
Headache
Vomiting
Stomachache
Diarrhea
Constipation
Gas
Cold symptoms
Fever

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Prilosec?

Some of the serious side effects of Prilosec include the following;

Lupus (new or worsening)
Kidney injury
Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

Lupus is when the body's immune system attacks the body's own organs and tissues. The resulting inflammation affects different systems in the body, including:

Lungs
Heart
Brain
Blood cells
Kidneys
Skin
Joints

Clostridium difficile is a germ that causes severe diarrhea. It usually affects older people. Using Prilosec for too long can also affect the way your body absorbs minerals and vitamins. As a result, you may experience:

Vitamin B12 deficiency
Bone fractures
Low magnesium

Managing these risks is important. For this reason, you must consult your healthcare provider every step of the way. It’s better to take the smallest dose for the shortest amount of time.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Pepcid?

The most common side effects of Pepcid include the following;

Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Fatigue
Mood changes
Weakness
Insomnia
Headache
Dizziness
Vomiting
Dry mouth
Joint pain
Cramps or muscle pain

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Pepcid?

Serious side effects of taking Pepcid are rare. But they are possible. Some of them could be:

Seizures
Agitation
Confusion

These side effects can affect older people with kidney problems. Every situation is different. This is why your healthcare provider will choose a dose that fits your needs best.

Warnings and General Precautions for Pepcid and Prilosec

Before taking Pepcid, inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

Liver disease
Kidney disease
Long QT syndrome
Asthma or related problems
Stomach cancer

Pay close attention to any symptoms that may be similar to a heart attack. People often confuse heartburn with a heart attack. But, you must still seek medical attention if you experience the following:

Heavy feeling
Chest pain
Pain spreading to the shoulder/arm/jaw
Anxiety
Sweating
Nausea
Light-headedness

Before using Prilosec, inform your doctor about any allergies and other existing conditions. Also, inform them if you experience any unusual reaction after taking medicine. People are often allergic to preservatives and dyes, but they realize it late.

Elderly patients are more sensitive to its side effects than younger people. Last but not least, always consider drug interactions before taking any drug. It isn’t wise to use certain medicines together.

Contraindications and Important Interactions for Prilosec and Pepcid

Contraindications

Pepcid

Avoid using it if you're allergic to Famotidine or similar stomach acid reducers.

Prilosec

Avoid using it if you're allergic to Omeprazole or similar stomach acid reducers.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Pepcid

Atazanavir
Itraconazole
Ketoconazole
Aspirin

Prilosec

Digoxin
Diuretics
Blood thinners
Ketoconazole
Ampicillin
Methotrexate
Nelfinavir

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Pepcid

Taking Famotidine with alcohol does not have any adverse effects. But, it may increase a person’s blood alcohol levels.

Take Famotidine at least an hour before eating food. This will help you prevent heartburn and acid indigestion.

Prilosec

Alcohol does not affect Omeprazole's functioning. But the interaction can result in more acid production in the stomach. It may irritate your stomach lining and worsen your symptoms.

There are no specific food items that you need to avoid with Omeprazole.

Cost Comparison

How Much Do Prilosec and Pepcid Cost?

The price for a Pepcid oral tablet (20 mg) is around $37 for 30 tablets. But this price may vary depending on the pharmacy you visit. Those with insurance plans may have full coverage for the drug.

The cost for Prilosec oral powder 2.5 mg is around $447 for 30 powder for reconstitutions. The price may vary depending on the pharmacy you visit. Those with insurance plans may have complete coverage for the drug.

The Popularity of Pepcid and Prilosec

Prilosec and Pepcid are popular medications for GERD, acid reflux, etc.

The reason for their popularity is that they're also available over the counter. It's important to note that they're both effective for different things.

Even though they treat the same conditions, they don't do it in the same way. Pepcid ranks higher than Prilosec if you want immediate relief. But Prilosec ranks higher than Pepcid if you want long-term relief. This is why it is difficult to choose a winner. Only a healthcare professional can recommend what is best for you and your condition.

Conclusion

Takeaway

The key takeaway here is to let a healthcare professional decide the right medicine for you. Both Pepcid and Prilosec treat the same conditions. But they do it with different mechanisms of action. One provides immediate relief. The other can take weeks to show the results you desire. The right dosage also depends on various factors, such as:

The type and severity of the condition

Age
Underlying conditions
Other medications you may be taking

All in all, the medications do not cause severe side effects. People are also able to tolerate them well. But you may still experience minor effects such as:

Nausea

Diarrhea

Headaches

Vomiting in some cases.

Following your healthcare professional's instructions is imperative throughout the medication course. Overdosing on either option may cause: