Prevacid vs. Zantac 360
See how Prevacid and Zantac 360 compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Prevacid is a prescription-strength proton pump inhibitor approved for ulcers, GERD, and erosive esophagitis, while Zantac 360 is an OTC option for occasional heartburn.
Prevacid is taken daily for sustained acid control, while Zantac 360 is meant for as-needed relief that works within about an hour.
Long-term Prevacid use carries risks like bone fracture and C. difficile infection, while Zantac 360 isn't intended for use beyond 14 days without a doctor's guidance.
Prevacid vs. Zantac 360 Drug Summary
Prevacid
Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production to treat ulcers, GERD, and erosive esophagitis. It comes as a delayed-release capsule, a dissolving tablet, or an IV injection, and is usually taken once or twice daily depending on the condition being treated.
Zantac 360
Zantac 360 (famotidine) is an H2 blocker that lowers stomach acid to relieve and prevent occasional heartburn from acid indigestion or sour stomach. It's an over-the-counter tablet taken as needed, at a 10 mg or 20 mg dose.
Prevacid vs. Zantac 360 Side Effects
Prevacid
Zantac 360
Prevacid vs. Zantac 360 Dosage
Prevacid
Zantac 360
| 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 | 10 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg as needed | 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 |
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 |
Prevacid vs. Zantac 360 Indications
Prevacid
Prevacid is FDA-approved to heal and maintain remission of duodenal and gastric ulcers, treat GERD and erosive esophagitis, and help eradicate H. pylori infection alongside antibiotics. It's also used for hypersecretory conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and to lower the risk of NSAID-related ulcers.
Duodenal ulcer healing and maintenance
Gastric ulcer healing
Erosive esophagitis healing and maintenance
GERD treatment
Zantac 360
Zantac 360 is FDA-approved as an over-the-counter option to relieve and prevent heartburn from acid indigestion and sour stomach, including heartburn triggered by certain foods and drinks. It is not approved to treat ulcers, GERD, or erosive esophagitis.
Relieves heartburn from acid indigestion
Relieves sour stomach
Prevents heartburn triggered by food
Prevents heartburn triggered by beverages
Prevacid vs. Zantac 360 Pros and Cons
Prevacid
Prevacid is a prescription-strength PPI that provides deeper, longer-lasting acid suppression for ulcers, GERD, and erosive esophagitis. It's available in capsule, dissolving tablet, and IV forms, but it costs more and carries long-term risks with extended use.
Pros
Treats ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and chronic GERD
Available as capsule, dissolving tablet, or IV injection
Part of standard H. pylori eradication therapy
Provides longer, more complete acid suppression
Cons
Roughly $14 to $530 a month without insurance, well above Zantac 360's cost
Long-term use linked to bone fracture and C. diff risk
Takes a few days of daily dosing for full effect
Not approved for infants under 1 year old
Zantac 360
Zantac 360 is an OTC H2 blocker meant for occasional heartburn and acid indigestion, working faster than a PPI but with less overall acid suppression. It's inexpensive and simple to use as needed, though it isn't approved for ulcers or chronic GERD.
Pros
Typically $8 to $15 a month without insurance, far cheaper than brand-name Prevacid
Starts working within about an hour
No prescription needed and simple as-needed dosing
No known long-term PPI-related risks
Cons
Not approved for ulcers, GERD, or erosive esophagitis
Not meant for symptoms lasting more than 14 days
Weaker acid suppression than a daily PPI
Same active ingredient as cheaper Pepcid AC, no added benefit
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.