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Tagamet vs. Nexium

Are Tagamet and Nexium the Same Thing?

Tagamet (cimetidine) and Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) are used to treat and prevent certain types of ulcer, to treat conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid, and to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Nexium is also used to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Tagamet and Nexium belong to different drug classes. Tagamet is a histamine receptor antagonist and Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

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

Side effects of Tagamet and Nexium that are similar include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, or constipation.

Side effects of Tagamet that are different from Nexium include depression, agitation, breast swelling or tenderness (in men), joint or muscle pain, or skin rash.

Side effects of Nexium that are different from Tagamet include vomiting, stomach pain, gas, dry mouth, rash, or nervousness.

Both Tagamet and Nexium may interact with antifungal medications or blood thinners.

Tagamet may also interact with antacids or antidepressants.

Nexium may also interact with cilostazol, clopidogrel, diazepam, digoxin, erlotinib, iron-containing medicines, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, rifampin, St. John's wort, tacrolimus, or HIV/AIDS medications.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Tagamet?

Common side effects of Tagamet include:

Tell your doctor if you experience unlikely but serious side effects of Tagamet Injection including:

  • decreased sweating,
  • fast/irregular heartbeat,
  • mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations, agitation, nervousness, unusual excitement),
  • difficulty urinating, or
  • decreased sexual ability.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Nexium?

Common side effects of Nexium include:

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

What Is Tagamet?

Tagamet (cimetidine) is a histamine receptor antagonist used to treat and prevent certain types of ulcer, and to treat conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid. Tagamet is also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and causes heartburn.

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.

What Drugs Interact With Tagamet?

Tagamet may interact with amantadine, quinidine, antihistamines, decongestants, appetite suppressants, phenothiazines, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. During pregnancy, Tagamet should be used only when prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What Drugs Interact With Nexium?

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.

How Should Tagamet Be Taken?

Dose of Tagamet depends on the condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.

How Should Nexium Be Taken?

Nexium dosage depends on the condition being treated.

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