Pepcid vs. Nexium

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

Pepcid (famotidine) and Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) are used to treat and prevent recurrence of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Pepcid is also useful in managing heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Pepcid and Nexium belong to different drug classes. Pepcid is an H2-blocker and Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Pepcid and Nexium are available over-the-counter (OTC) and in generic form.

Common side effects of Pepcid include:

• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• fatigue,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• mood changes,
• headache,
• insomnia,
• muscle pain or cramps,
• joint pain,
• dry mouth,
• nausea, or
• vomiting.

Common side effects of Nexium include:

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

Pepcid (famotidine) is an H2-blocker used to treat and prevent recurrence of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Pepcid is also useful in managing heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Pepcid is available as a generic drug.

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.

Pepcid may interact with atazanavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

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.

Pepcid (famotidine) dosage depends on the condition being treated.

Nexium dosage depends on the condition being treated.