Protonix vs. Zantac

Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) and Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride) are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis.

Zantac is also used for treating heartburn and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Protonix and Zantac belong to different drug classes. Protonix is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and Zantac is a H2 (histamine-2) receptor blocker.

Protonix is available by prescription while Zantac 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 Zantac include:

• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• fatigue,
• headache (may be severe),
• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• decreased sex drive,
• impotence,
• difficulty having an orgasm,
• muscle pain,
• stomach pain,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• or swollen or tender breasts (in men).

What is Zantac?

Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride) is a H2 (histamine-2) receptor blocker used for treating and preventing ulcers in the duodenum and stomach. Zantac is also used for treating:

• heartburn,
• erosive esophagitis,
• and Zollinger Ellison syndrome.

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

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

Zantac may interact with ketoconazole, atazanavir, and blood thinners such as warfarin.

Zantac may also interact with triazolam, procainamide, riazolam, midazolam, glipizide, delavirdine, and gefitinib.

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.

Zantac is available in tablet, syrup, and injectable formulations.

• adults and children 12 years and over:
  • to relieve symptoms, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water
  • to prevent symptoms, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause heartburn
  • can be used up to twice daily (do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours)
• children under 12 years: ask a doctor

Other Information

• do not use if printed foil under bottle cap is open or torn (bottles)
• do not use if individual blister unit is open or torn (blisters)
• do not use if individual foil packet is open or torn (pouch)
• store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)
• avoid excessive heat or humidity
• this product is sodium and sugar free