Searching for comparisons regarding Nexium vs Prilosec? If yes, then you have reached your destination.
Considering the fact that there are innumerable diseases in the world, it is best to keep some medicines at hand most of the time. Therefore, scientists have been trying their best to ensure that they are able to help the doctors with newer medicines that are more effective than the others.
Keep reading this article till the end to learn more about Nexium vs Prilosec…
What Is PPI?
Proton Pump Inhibitors, or PPIs, are some of the most used medicines when doctors have to deal with what is called GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. So what are these?
A Proton Pump Inhibitor is a medicine that is used to reduce the amount of acid that is created in the glands of the inner lining of certain organs of the body. Most importantly, this acid is produced in the lining of the stomach.
If you are facing extreme acidity and heartburn, any of the Proton Pump Inhibitors can be prescribed to you. And there are many of them. These medicines are helpful in ensuring that the body is able to fight the symptoms like severe acidity, heartburn, and reflux.
Among the various Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPIs that the doctors prescribe to the patient, the most common ones are Nexium and Prilosec. So keep on reading this article till the end to learn more about Nexium vs Prilosec…
Nexium: A Brief!
Nexium is the brand name for the PPI Esomeprazole. It is one of the most effective proton pump inhibitors that work to provide relief from several symptoms of GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Like all esomeprazole formulas, Nexium is also a DR (delayed release) product.
This means that the medicine is released only after it reaches the intestines and not the stomach. Thus, it is able to provide relief effectively before breaking down in the stomach. Apart from GERD, this medicine is also used for treating heartburn and other acid reflux conditions.
Nexium Side Effects
There are a number of side effects of taking Nexium. Some of them are:
- Constipation
- Dryness of mouth
- Gas
- Nausea
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
Prilosec: A Brief!
Similar to Nexium, which is the brand name for the esomeprazole, Prilosec is the brand name for the Omeprazole, which is another popular PPI. The doctors also prescribe this to treat GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
It is also used to treat erosive esophagitis. Apart from that, Prilosec is also prescribed in order to treat ailments like dyspepsia, severe heartburn, and bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract.
Prilosec Side Effects
Are you thinking about the side effects of intaking this popular omeprazole? Well, here are the Prilosec side effects that you were searching for:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Nexium Vs Prilosec: What Are The Differences?
Now that you know what Nexium and Prilosec are, it is time for you to know whether there are any differences between these two PPIs.
While these two are very similar drugs when it comes to their functions and purpose of treatment, there is a difference when it comes to the chemical nature of the medicines. And that is the case here.
While Prilosec (omeprazole) contains a mix of S-omeprazole and R-omeprazole (stereoisomers), Nexium (esomeprazole) contains only one stereoisomer, the S-omeprazole.
Some of the studies have also shown that Nexium can be more effective in treating GERD than. The side effects of most PPIs are very common. However, they are rare. But according to studies, Nexium is more likely to cause a side effect compared to Prilosec.
Again, the price is also a factor of difference. The price of Nexium is more than that of Prilosec.
Nexium Vs Prilosec: What Are The Similarities?
Considering the fact that both the medicines are popular PPIs used for treating GERD, there are a number of similarities. First, both of them block the action of the enzymes that are responsible for the production of acid in the body.
Both the medicines are available as over the counter drugs, and you can get them without the need for a prescription. You need to also make sure that you do not take these medicines with other drugs like:
- Risedronate
- Clopidogrel
- Rifampin
- Delavirdine
- Rilpivirine
Nexium Vs Prilosec: Which One Should You Take?
Some studies show that Nexium has been more effective when it comes to acidity control. It also works faster than Prilosec. However, the overall use and treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease are the same for both of these PPIs.
Make sure that you do not keep using these medicines for too long, as a long time use of PPIs can cause adverse effects on the body. Unless your doctor prescribes you to take it, do not continue consuming this medicine for more than six months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here are some of the questions that readers frequently ask about Nexium vs Prilosec. You might want to go through them for some additional information on the topic.
➥ There are a number of alternatives or substitutes for pantoprazole. Some of them are:
• Protonix
• Famotidine
• Dexilant
• Prevacid
• Prilosec
➥ A lot of people do not know this, but patients who take Omeprazole also experience anxiety and depression as side effects of this medicine. Omeprazole also causes insomnia, hallucinations, and nervousness.
➥ There are a number of alternatives for Nexium. Some of them are:
• Famotidine
• Aciphex
• Dexilant
• Prilosec
Wrapping It Up!
If you heard the names of the different PPIs available in the market, then you must have heard about Nexium vs Prilosec. These medicines are used in dealing with GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
In case you were searching for comparisons between Nexium vs Prilosec, I hope that you found enough information on them through this article. If there are any other questions that you might want to ask, make sure that you comment them down the box.
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