Protonix vs. Prilosec

Are Protonix and Prilosec the Same Thing?

Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) and Prilosec (omeprazole) are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a history of erosive esophagitis.

Prilosec is also used to treat ulcers and frequent heartburn.

Protonix is available by prescription while Prilosec is available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a generic.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Protonix?

Side effects of Protonix include:

  • injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling),
  • headache,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • abdominal or stomach pain,
  • diarrhea,
  • gas,
  • dizziness,
  • joint pain,
  • weight changes,
  • drowsiness,
  • tired feeling, or
  • sleep problems (insomnia).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Prilosec?

Common side effects of Prilosec include:

  • headache,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • stomach pain,
  • gas,
  • constipation,
  • fever, or
  • cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat).

What is Prilosec?

What is Prilosec?

Prilosec (omeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which are all caused by stomach acid.

What Drugs Interact With Protonix?

Protonix may interact with atazanavir, blood thinners, digoxin, diuretics (water pills), ketoconazole, or methotrexate.

Protonix may also interact with nelfinavir, ampicillin, or iron.

What Drugs Interact With Prilosec?

Prilosec may interact with digoxin, diuretics (water pills), blood thinners, antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, antibiotics such as ampicillin, iron, or methotrexate, and HIV or AIDS medications such as atazanavir and nelfinavir.

Prilosec may also interact with bosentan, cilostazol, clopidogrel, cyclosporine, diazepam, disulfiram, St. John's wort, tacrolimus, or seizure medications.

How Should Protonix Be Taken?

The recommended adult dose of Protonix is 40 mg once daily.

  • Protonix Oral Suspension should be taken 30 minutes before a meal
  • Protonix Oral Suspension should only be taken with applesauce or apple juice 30 minutes before a meal.
  • Protonix Oral Suspension should not be taken in or with water or other liquids, or with other foods.
  • Protonix Oral Suspension should not be chewed or crushed.
  • Protonix Oral Suspension packet should not be divided to make a smaller dose.

How Should Prilosec Be Taken?

The recommended adult oral dose of Prilosec ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg once daily, depending on the condition being treated. For maximal efficacy, Prilosec tablets should be taken before meals, swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed or opened.

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References
Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

SOURCE:

RxList. Protonix Medication Guide.

https://www.rxlist.com/protonix-drug.htm#medguide

RxList. Prilosec Side Effects Drug Center.

https://www.rxlist.com/prilosec-side-effects-drug-center.htm

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