Protonix vs. Prevacid

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

Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) and Prevacid (lansoprazole) are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a history of erosive esophagitis.

Prevacid is also used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Protonix is available by prescription while Prevacid is available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a generic.

Side effects of Protonix include:

• injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling),
• headache,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• abdominal or stomach pain,
• diarrhea,
• gas,
• dizziness,
• joint pain,
• weight changes,
• drowsiness,
• tired feeling, or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

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.

What is Protonix?

Protonix IV (pantoprazole sodium) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for short-term treatment (less than 10 days) of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a history of erosive esophagitis in adult patients.

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.

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

Protonix may also interact with nelfinavir, ampicillin, or iron.

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

Prevacid may also interact with sucralfate or theophylline.

The recommended adult dose of Protonix is 40 mg once daily.

• Protonix Oral Suspension should be taken 30 minutes before a meal
• Protonix Oral Suspension should only be taken with applesauce or apple juice 30 minutes before a meal.
• Protonix Oral Suspension should not be taken in or with water or other liquids, or with other foods.
• Protonix Oral Suspension should not be chewed or crushed.
• Protonix Oral Suspension packet should not be divided to make a smaller dose.

The dose of Prevacid depends on the condition being treated. Lansoprazole capsules should be taken before meals for maximum effect. Capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, split or chewed.