Dexilant vs. Zantac 360

See how Dexilant and Zantac 360 compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Dexilant is a prescription PPI that heals erosive esophagitis and controls GERD, while Zantac 360 is an OTC H2 blocker for occasional heartburn relief.

  • Dexilant offers stronger, longer-lasting acid suppression with once-daily dosing, while Zantac 360 works faster but wears off sooner per dose.

  • Zantac 360 costs a fraction of Dexilant's price but does not treat esophagus damage the way Dexilant can.

Dexilant vs. Zantac 360 Drug Summary

Dexilant

Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor prescribed to heal erosive esophagitis, maintain that healing, and relieve symptoms of non-erosive GERD. Its dual delayed-release capsule releases medication in two separate waves, giving it long-lasting acid suppression with one dose a day. It can be taken without regard to meal timing.

Zantac 360

Zantac 360 (famotidine) is an over-the-counter H2 blocker used to relieve and prevent heartburn from acid indigestion. It comes as a film-coated tablet taken as needed, with effects that start faster but wear off sooner than a PPI. It contains the same active ingredient as Pepcid AC.

Dexilant vs. Zantac 360 Side Effects

Dexilant

Most common
Nausea (≥2%)
Diarrhea (≥2%)
Abdominal pain (≥2%)
Vomiting (≥2%)

Zantac 360

Most common
Nausea (0.1% to 1%)
Diarrhea (freq. not specified)
Headache (freq. not specified)
Dizziness (freq. not specified)

Dexilant vs. Zantac 360 Dosage

Dexilant

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 30 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 60 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 1 increase As tolerated

Zantac 360

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 10 mg as needed At the start
Maximum dose 20 mg as needed If needed
Dose changes 1 increase As tolerated

Dexilant vs. Zantac 360 Indications

Dexilant

Dexilant is FDA-approved to heal all grades of erosive esophagitis, maintain that healing, and relieve heartburn from non-erosive GERD. It is taken once daily as a prescription capsule for both short-term healing and longer-term symptom control.

  • Healing of all grades of erosive esophagitis (EE)

  • Maintenance of healed EE and heartburn relief

  • Treatment of symptomatic non-erosive GERD

  • Approved for adults and children 12 and older

Zantac 360

Zantac 360 is FDA-approved to relieve heartburn from acid indigestion and sour stomach, and to prevent it when taken before trigger foods or drinks. It is sold over the counter as a tablet taken as needed for occasional symptoms.

  • Relieves heartburn from acid indigestion and sour stomach

  • Prevents heartburn triggered by certain foods or drinks

  • Available without a prescription

  • Use in children under 12 requires a doctor's guidance

Dexilant vs. Zantac 360 Pros and Cons

Dexilant

Dexilant's dual-release formulation gives it some of the longest acid suppression among PPIs, and it's the only prescription option in this comparison approved to heal erosive esophagitis. It requires a prescription and carries long-term PPI warnings that an OTC H2 blocker does not.

Pros

  • Only option in this comparison approved to heal erosive esophagitis

  • Dual delayed-release formulation extends acid suppression all day

  • Once-daily dosing regardless of meal timing

  • Used for both short-term healing and long-term maintenance

Cons

  • Requires a prescription

  • Carries warnings for bone fracture risk and C. difficile with long-term use

  • Not approved for children under 12

  • Roughly $270 to $470 per month without insurance, before savings programs

Zantac 360

Zantac 360 works faster than a PPI for occasional heartburn but does not heal esophageal damage the way Dexilant can. It's available without a prescription at a much lower price, with a simpler safety profile suited to short-term, as-needed use.

Pros

  • Available over the counter without a prescription

  • Starts working faster for occasional heartburn

  • No PPI-related warnings like fracture or C. difficile risk

  • Roughly $8 to $15 per month without insurance, before savings programs

Cons

  • Does not heal erosive esophagitis or esophageal damage

  • Effects wear off sooner, requiring more frequent dosing

  • Not intended for chronic GERD management

  • Symptoms lasting more than 14 days require a doctor's evaluation

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.