Nexium vs. Prilosec

• Are Nexium and Prilosec the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Nexium?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Prilosec?
• What is Nexium?
• What is Prilosec?
• What Drugs Interact with Nexium?
• What Drugs Interact with Prilosec?
• How Should Nexium Be Taken?
• How Should Prilosec Be Taken?

Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) and Prilosec (omeprazole) are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that block acid production in the stomach and are used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Nexium and Prilosec are available as generics and over-the-counter (OTC).

Common side effects of Nexium include:

• diarrhea,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach pain,
• gas,
• constipation,
• headaches,
• drowsiness,
• dry mouth,
• rash,
• dizziness, and
• nervousness.

Common side effects of Prilosec include:

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

Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that blocks acid production in the stomach and is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

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.

Drug interactions include Valium (diazepam), Nizoral (ketoconazole), Lanoxin (digoxin), Invirase (saquinavir), Viracept (nelfinavir), Reyataz (atazanavir), Plavix (clopidogrel), and Pletal (cilostazol). Nexium should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

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.

Nexium dosage depends on the condition being treated.

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.