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

Most common
Headache (up to 7%)
Diarrhea (up to 3.8%)
Abdominal pain (up to 5%)
Nausea (up to 3%)

Zantac 360

Most common
Headache (rate not specified)
Diarrhea (rate not specified)
Dizziness (rate not specified)
Constipation (rate not specified)

Prevacid vs. Zantac 360 Dosage

Prevacid

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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

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

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