Compare omeprazole vs. Aciphex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats heartburn and excess release of stomach acid.
Prilosec (omeprazole) gives you long-lasting heartburn relief but has some risks if used long term.
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4.0/ 5 average rating with 1167 reviewsforomeprazole
Treats heartburn and ulcers.
Aciphex (rabeprazole) is good for treating heartburn and ulcers, but should not be used long-term.
Upsides
- Prilosec (omeprazole) lasts longer (up to 72 hours) than other classes of acid reducers (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums).
- Only take once or twice daily.
- Can take together with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) for quick relief.
- Generic and over-the-counter options available.
- Safe to use in children ages 1 or older.
- 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.
Downsides
- Takes up to an hour to start noticing the effects of Prilosec (omeprazole).
- Prilosec (omeprazole) can interact with other drugs. Let your doctor and pharmacist know what medications you're taking before starting Prilosec (omeprazole).
- Long-term use of Prilosec (omeprazole) can put you at risk for many health issues such as osteoporosis, low magnesium or vitamin B12 levels, and rebound acid secretion (where your body starts to create more acid than before after stoping Prilosec (omeprazole)).
- 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.
Used for
- Stomach ulcer
- Duodenal ulcer disease
- Heartburn
- GERD
- Erosive esophagitis
- H. pyori
- Excessive stomach acid secretion
- Prevent stress ulcers in critically-ill patients
- Prevent or treat stomach ulcers resulting from taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Acid Reflux
- Stomach ulcers
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Powder
- Delayed release pill
Price
Lowest price
$18.00
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$10.85
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Reviews
1167 reviews so far
80%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle
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Side effects
11possible side effects
- Headache7%
- Abdominal pain5%
- Nausea4%
- Diarrhea4%
- Vomiting3%
- Flatulence3%
- Acid regurgitation2%
- Upper respiratory infection2%
- Constipation2%
- Dizziness2%
- Rash2%
5possible side effects
- Headache10%
- Diarrhea5%
- Nausea5%
- Vomiting4%
- Abdominal pain4%
Risks and risk factors
- Risk of cancer
- Lupus
- History of cutaneous or systemic lupus erythematosus
- Severe diarrhea associated with C.difficile infection
- Being hospitalized
- Antibiotic use
- Bone fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Using high medication doses
- Long-term therapy (1 year or more)
- Use of other medications that weaken bones
- Low Vitamin B12 and Magnesium
- Taking water pills (Magnesium)
- Women (Vitamin B12)
- Over the age of 30 (Vitamin B12)
- Kidney damage
- 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