Compare Pepcid vs. Prevacid
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 stomach ulcers.
Prevacid (lansoprazole) is an effective and inexpensive acid reducer commonly used to provide heartburn relief and help heal ulcers.
●●●●●
4.0/ 5 average rating with 21 reviewsforPrevacid
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 Prevacid (lansoprazole) without any noticeable day-to-day side effects.
- Comes in a dissolving tablet to be placed on the tongue if you cannot or do not like to swallow pills.
- Prevacid (lansoprazole) lasts longer than other types of antacids (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums), and you only need to take it once a day.
- You can take it in combination with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) if you need relief right away.
- Prevacid (lansoprazole) is available over-the-counter and as inexpensive, generic options.
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 right away like some other acid reducers (Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox).
- May not be the best choice for patients 65 years of age and older due to risk of bone fractures and C. diff infection (bacterial).
- Is used if you have frequent heartburns that occur more than 2 days per week. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you only have occasional heartburn.
Used for
- Stomach ulcer
- Stomach ulcer prevention while taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Intestinal ulcer
- Stomach bacteria infection (helicobacter pylori)
- Erosive esophagitis
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Barrett's esophagus
- Stomach ulcer prevention
- Heartburn prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Extended release
- Dissolving tablet extended release
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$8.43
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$21.42
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 review21 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
71%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Prevacid (lansoprazole)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
Risks and risk factors
- Hiding possible cancer
- Increased side effects
- Current kidney disease
- Allergic reaction
- Stomach cancer
- Acute kidney damage
- Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD)
- Bone fractures
- High dose Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Long-term treatment with Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Low bone mineral density
- Older age
- Lupus
- Low vitamin or mineral levels