Compare Aciphex vs. pantoprazole
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats heartburn and ulcers.
Aciphex (rabeprazole) is good for treating heartburn and ulcers, but should not be used long-term.
Treats heartburn and excess release of stomach acid.
Protonix (pantoprazole) is usually only taken once a day for long-lasting heartburn relief, but it can increase your risk of bone fractures if you've used it for a long time.
●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 584 reviewsforpantoprazole
Upsides
- Aciphex (rabeprazole) works better than over-the-counter medications that have not relieved your acid reflux.
- The delayed-release pill provides relief over 24 hours.
- Aciphex (rabeprazole) can be taken with or without food.
- The capsule can be safely used by children as young as 1 year old.
- Most people can take Protonix (pantoprazole) without any noticeable day-to-day side effects.
- Protonix (pantoprazole) lasts longer than other types of antacids (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums), and you only need to take it once or twice a day.
- You can take it with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) if you need relief right away.
- Unlike other proton pump inhibitors, it can be taken with or without food and have the same effectiveness.
- Can be used in children age 5 or older.
Downsides
- Using Aciphex (rabeprazole) for a long time can can weaken your bones or increase your risk for infectious diarrhea.
- Lowers magnesium and vitamin B12 in your body so you may need to take supplements.
- Aciphex (rabeprazole) interferes with how many medications work.
- Doesn't start working as fast as some other antacids like Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox.
- Needs to be taken every single day for a certain period of time to be effective.
- Like with other proton pump inhibitors, long-term use can cause weak or broken bones.
- Only available as a prescription medicine, not over the counter.
- Can lower the magnesium level in your body so you may need to take a supplement for it.
Used for
- Acid Reflux
- Stomach ulcers
- GERD
- Esophagitis
- Excess stomach acid
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- H.pylori infection
- Prevention of stomach rebleeding
- Stress ulcer prevention
Dosage forms
- Delayed release pill
- Pill
- Packet
Price
Lowest price
$19.18
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$422.82
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
584 reviews so far
68%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Protonix (pantoprazole)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
5possible side effects
- Headache10%
- Diarrhea5%
- Nausea5%
- Vomiting4%
- Abdominal pain4%
8possible side effects
- Headache12%
- Diarrhea9%
- Nausea7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Vomiting4%
- Gas4%
- Dizziness3%
- Joint pain3%
Risks and risk factors
- Stomach cancer
- Kidney inflammation
- Severe diarrhea
- Being hospitalized
- Antibiotic use
- Bone fractures
- High dose Aciphex (rabeprazole)
- Taking Aciphex (rabeprazole) for longer than one year
- Low bone mineral density
- Age 50 years or older
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Taking steroids or anti-seizure medicines
- Low levels of magnesium and vitamin B12
- Lupus
- Weakened bones
- Using multiple daily doses and/or for 1 year or longer
- People age 65 or older
- High risk of bone fractures
- Severe diarrhea
- People who are being treated in the hospital
- Kidney problem
- Lupus
- People with lupus
- Low Vitamin B-12 level
- Taking Protonix (pantoprazole) for more than 3 years
- Low magnesium level
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Digoxin