Compare Pepcid vs. pantoprazole
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Relieves heartburn.
Pepcid (Famotidine) works well for heartburn but may not last as long or start working as quickly as other antacids.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 853 reviewsforPepcid
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- GERD
- Esophagitis
- Excess stomach acid
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- H.pylori infection
- Prevention of stomach rebleeding
- Stress ulcer prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
- Packet
Price
Lowest price
$9.00
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$466.16
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
853 reviews so far
75%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Pepcid (Famotidine)?
Leave a review584 reviews so far
68%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Protonix (pantoprazole)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
8possible side effects
- Headache12%
- Diarrhea9%
- Nausea7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Vomiting4%
- Gas4%
- Dizziness3%
- Joint pain3%
Risks and risk factors
- Hiding possible cancer
- Increased side effects
- Current kidney disease
- Allergic reaction
- 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