Prevacid vs. Pantoprazole
See how Prevacid and Pantoprazole compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Prevacid and pantoprazole are proton pump inhibitors that lower stomach acid, but Prevacid covers more approved uses, including ulcers and H. pylori treatment.
Pantoprazole causes higher rates of headache, diarrhea, and nausea in clinical trials compared to Prevacid's most common side effects.
Prevacid is sold over-the-counter and in more formulations, while pantoprazole is approved for children as young as 5.
Prevacid vs. Pantoprazole Drug Summary
Prevacid
Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and H. pylori infection. It comes as a once-daily capsule or dissolving tablet, with an IV form for hospital use.
Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used mainly to heal and maintain erosive esophagitis from GERD, as well as manage hypersecretory conditions. It is taken as a once- or twice-daily tablet, with an IV form available in hospitals.
Prevacid vs. Pantoprazole Side Effects
Prevacid
Pantoprazole
Prevacid vs. Pantoprazole Dosage
Prevacid
Pantoprazole
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 15 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 40 mg once daily | Weeks 1-8 |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Prevacid
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 15 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Pantoprazole
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 40 mg once daily | Weeks 1-8 |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Prevacid vs. Pantoprazole Indications
Prevacid
Prevacid treats a wide range of acid-related conditions, from duodenal and gastric ulcers to erosive esophagitis and GERD. It is also used with antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection and to reduce the risk of NSAID-related stomach ulcers.
Duodenal ulcer healing and maintenance
Gastric ulcer healing
Erosive esophagitis healing and maintenance
Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole is FDA-approved mainly for erosive esophagitis caused by GERD, both for initial healing and for keeping it healed long term. It is also used to control excess stomach acid production in conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Erosive esophagitis short-term healing
Maintenance of erosive esophagitis healing
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other hypersecretory conditions
Prevacid vs. Pantoprazole Pros and Cons
Prevacid
Prevacid (lansoprazole) is FDA-approved for the broadest set of acid-related conditions among PPIs, including ulcer healing, H. pylori eradication, and NSAID-ulcer prevention. It comes in capsule, dissolving tablet, and IV forms, and is one of the few PPIs sold over-the-counter. Its list price range runs wider than pantoprazole's.
Pros
FDA-approved for a wider range of conditions, including ulcers, H. pylori eradication, and NSAID-related ulcer prevention
Available over-the-counter as well as by prescription
Comes in capsule, orally disintegrating tablet, and IV forms for flexible administration
Approved for long-term maintenance of erosive esophagitis and duodenal ulcers
Cons
Not approved for infants under 1 year old
Long-term use is specifically linked to an increased risk of fundic gland polyps
Can cost significantly more without insurance, roughly $14 to $530 per month, versus $10 to $170 for pantoprazole
Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole covers a narrower set of approved uses, focused mainly on erosive esophagitis and hypersecretory conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It offers a simpler once- or twice-daily dosing schedule and is approved for children as young as 5. Its list price tends to run lower, though it lacks an over-the-counter option.
Pros
Approved for pediatric use in children as young as 5 years old
Simpler once- or twice-daily dosing without Prevacid's multiple condition-specific schedules
Typically less expensive without insurance, roughly $10 to $170 per month, versus $14 to $530 for Prevacid
Long-established safety and efficacy for erosive esophagitis healing and maintenance
Cons
Approved for fewer overall conditions, with no specific indication for ulcer healing or H. pylori eradication
Carries an FDA warning for rare but serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Not intended for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.