Protonix vs. Prilosec

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

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

Prilosec is also used to treat ulcers and frequent heartburn.

Protonix is available by prescription while Prilosec 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 Prilosec include:

• headache,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• stomach pain,
• gas,
• constipation,
• fever, or
• cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat).

What is Prilosec?

Prilosec (omeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which are all caused by stomach acid.

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

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

Prilosec may interact with digoxin, diuretics (water pills), blood thinners, antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, antibiotics such as ampicillin, iron, or methotrexate, and HIV or AIDS medications such as atazanavir and nelfinavir.

Prilosec may also interact with bosentan, cilostazol, clopidogrel, cyclosporine, diazepam, disulfiram, St. John's wort, tacrolimus, or seizure medications.

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 recommended adult oral dose of Prilosec ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg once daily, depending on the condition being treated. For maximal efficacy, Prilosec tablets should be taken before meals, swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed or opened.