Compare Dexilant vs. Pepcid
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats heartburn.
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is an effective medicine to treat heartburn, but can be expensive since it is only available as a brand.
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4.7/ 5 average rating with 73 reviewsforDexilant
Relieves heartburn.
Pepcid (Famotidine) works well for heartburn but may not last as long or start working as quickly as other antacids.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 853 reviewsforPepcid
Upsides
- Relieves heartburn symptoms better than other stomach medicines (like Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac).
- Lasts longer than other alternative stomach medicines.
- Convenient once daily dosing.
- Treats GERD in children 12 to 17 years of age.
- Can be swallowed whole, or contents of the pill can be emptied into applesauce for easy swallowing.
- Most people can take Famotidine without any noticeable day-to-day side effects.
- Famotidine lasts longer than many other antacids like Maalox and Tums, and you only need to take it once or twice a day.
- You can take it in combination with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) if you need relief right away.
- Available as both a generic and over-the-counter option, so it's pretty affordable.
- Few drug interactions.
Downsides
- Similar to other proton pump inhibitors, Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) can weaken bones when taken for a long period of time.
- Can take a few days before you start to feel the full effects.
- Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) can affect how other medicines, vitamins, and minerals get absorbed in your body.
- There's no generic version available, so it can be expensive.
- Other antacids like Maalox, Tums, or Rolaids often start to work more quickly than Famotidine.
- Medication like omeprazole (proton pump inhibitors) works better at healing and preventing stomach ulcers than medication like Famotidine (H2 blockers).
- Can cause more serious side effects for people with kidney disease. Ask your doctor to give you a lower dose or choose a different option.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Delayed-release pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$212.28
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$35.00
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Reviews
73 reviews so far
93%
saidit'sworth it
92%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)?
Leave a review853 reviews so far
75%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Pepcid (Famotidine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
6possible side effects
- Diarrhea5%
- Abdominal pain4%
- Nausea3%
- Upper airway infection3%
- Gas3%
- Vomiting2%
Risks and risk factors
- Possible stomach cancer
- Kidney inflammation
- Severe diarrhea
- Being hospitalized
- Antibiotic use
- Bone fractures
- High dose Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
- Long-term treatment with Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) (more than 1 year)
- Low bone mineral density
- Aged 50 years or older
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Taking steroids or seizure medicines
- Low magnesium and vitamin B12 levels
- Taking digoxin or diuretics
- Lupus
- Hiding possible cancer
- Increased side effects
- Current kidney disease
- Allergic reaction