Compare Prevacid vs. pantoprazole

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

ADVERTISEMENT

Prevacid (lansoprazole)

Prescription or OTC

Protonix (pantoprazole)

Prescription only
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
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 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Extended release
  • Dissolving tablet extended release
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Packet
Price
Lowest price
$23.00
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$495.39
Find instant savings near you
Want 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
21 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
71%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Prevacid (lansoprazole)?

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 review
Side effects
2possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    4%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
8possible side effects
  • Headache
    12%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Stomach pain
    6%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Gas
    4%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Joint pain
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Prevacid (lansoprazole)
Learn more about Protonix (pantoprazole)