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
Zantac 360
Dexilant vs. Zantac 360 Dosage
Dexilant
Zantac 360
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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.