Prevacid vs. Nexium

• Are Prevacid and Nexium the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Prevacid?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Nexium?
• What is Prevacid?
• What is Nexium?
• What drugs interact with Prevacid?
• What drugs interact with Nexium?
• How Should Prevacid Be Taken?
• How Should Nexium Be Taken?

Prevacid (lansoprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

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

Side effects of both Prevacid and Nexium include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or constipation.

Common side effects of Prevacid include:

• dizziness,
• fast or irregular heart rate,
• watery or bloody diarrhea,
• muscle cramps or weakness,
• jerky muscle movements,
• confusion,
• feeling jittery, or
• seizures.

Side effects of Nexium include:

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

What is Prevacid?

Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Prevacid is available in generic form.

What is Nexium?

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.

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.

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

Prevacid may also interact with sucralfate or theophylline.

• Take Prevacid or Prevacid SoluTab exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not change your dose or stop taking Prevacid or Prevacid SoluTab without talking to your doctor.
• Take Prevacid or Prevacid SoluTab before meals.

Prevacid capsules:

• Swallow Prevacid capsules whole.
• Do not crush or chew Prevacid capsules.
• If you have trouble swallowing a whole capsule, you can open the capsule and take the contents with certain foods or juices. See the “Instructions for Use” at the end of this Medication Guide for instructions on how to take Prevacid capsules with certain foods or juices.

Prevacid SoluTab:

• Prevacid SoluTab is a tablet that melts in your mouth with or without water.
• Do not break, cut, crush or chew the tablets.
• See the “Instructions for Use” at the end of this Medication Guide for instructions on how to mix and give Prevacid SoluTab through a syringe and NG tube.
• If you miss a dose of Prevacid or Prevacid SoluTab, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
• If you take too much Prevacid or Prevacid SoluTab, call your doctor or your poison control center at 1-800-2221222 right away or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Nexium dosage depends on the condition being treated.