Prilosec vs. Prevacid: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 29, 2024
Prilosec (omeprazole) and Prevacid (lansoprazole) are proton pump inhibitors for treating acid reflux, differing mainly in their chemical composition and dosing frequency.
Key Differences
Prilosec, whose generic name is omeprazole, is a medication used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Prevacid, also known as lansoprazole, serves a similar purpose but differs slightly in its chemical structure.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Both Prilosec and Prevacid work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, but they may vary in their effectiveness and the speed at which they act. Prilosec is often taken once a day, while Prevacid might be prescribed in different dosing frequencies.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
The side effects of Prilosec can include headaches, nausea, and dizziness, which are similar to those of Prevacid; however, the incidence and intensity of these side effects can vary between the two medications.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Prilosec has been available for a longer time and has a more established track record, whereas Prevacid, being newer, may offer different benefits in terms of efficacy and tolerability for some patients.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
In terms of prescription and over-the-counter availability, both Prilosec and Prevacid are widely accessible, but the choice between them often depends on individual patient needs, doctor's recommendation, and response to the medication.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Chemical Structure
Different chemical composition
Different chemical composition
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Side Effects
Headaches, nausea, dizziness (vary by individual)
Similar side effects, but may vary in intensity
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Prilosec and Prevacid Definitions
Prilosec
Prilosec, a proton pump inhibitor for stomach-related ailments.
She takes Prilosec daily to prevent gastric ulcers.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Prevacid
A lansoprazole-based medication for acid-related disorders.
Prevacid is part of his treatment plan for peptic ulcers.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Prilosec
A medicine to decrease acid production in the stomach.
Prilosec is recommended for short-term treatment of stomach ulcers.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Prevacid
Prevacid is a drug for treating excess stomach acid.
After starting Prevacid, her symptoms of acid reflux reduced.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Prilosec
Prilosec is a medication for reducing stomach acid.
The doctor prescribed Prilosec to manage her acid reflux.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Prevacid
A pharmaceutical used to lower stomach acid production.
Prevacid has been effective in treating his GERD symptoms.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Prilosec
An omeprazole-based drug used in treating GERD.
Prilosec has effectively controlled his heartburn symptoms.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Prevacid
Prevacid, a proton pump inhibitor, manages gastric acid secretion.
She uses Prevacid to control her chronic gastritis.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Prilosec
Prilosec, used for treating conditions like esophagitis.
His esophagitis improved significantly after starting Prilosec.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Prevacid
Prevacid, prescribed for conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
The doctor prescribed Prevacid for his Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Prilosec
Antacid (trade name Prilosec) that suppresses acid secretion in the stomach
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Prevacid
Antacid (trade name Prevacid) that suppresses acid secretion in the stomach
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can I take Prilosec and Prevacid together?
It's not typical to take them together; consult a doctor for advice.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What are common side effects of Prilosec?
Common side effects include headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is Prilosec used for?
Prilosec is used to treat GERD and excess stomach acid.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can Prevacid be bought without a prescription?
Yes, Prevacid is available over the counter and by prescription.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is Prevacid used for?
Prevacid is also used for treating GERD and excess stomach acid.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Are Prilosec and Prevacid the same?
No, they are different medications, though both are proton pump inhibitors.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Is Prilosec available over the counter?
Yes, Prilosec is available both over the counter and by prescription.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can I take Prevacid for a long period?
Long-term use should be under medical supervision due to potential risks.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Does Prilosec interact with other medications?
Yes, Prilosec can interact with certain drugs; inform your doctor about all medications you're taking.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Are there drug interactions with Prevacid?
Yes, like Prilosec, Prevacid can interact with other medications.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
How quickly does Prilosec work?
Prilosec typically starts working within one to two hours of ingestion.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Is Prevacid suitable for children?
Yes, but only under a doctor's recommendation and supervision.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What are common side effects of Prevacid?
Similar to Prilosec, including headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Is Prilosec safe for long-term use?
Long-term use can have risks; it's best to consult a healthcare provider.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
How fast does Prevacid provide relief?
Prevacid usually starts working within one to two hours as well.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Is Prevacid safe during pregnancy?
It's important to seek medical advice before taking Prevacid during pregnancy.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Does Prilosec cause dependency?
There's no evidence of dependency, but rebound acid hypersecretion can occur.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can pregnant women take Prilosec?
Consult a doctor as it depends on individual health conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can children take Prilosec?
Prilosec can be prescribed to children under medical supervision.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can stopping Prevacid suddenly cause problems?
Sudden cessation might lead to rebound acid production; taper off under a doctor's guidance.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.