Pepcid vs. Prevacid

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

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

Pepcid and Prevacid 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 Prevacid include:

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Prevacid may also interact with sucralfate or theophylline.

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

• 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.