Prilsosec, also known by its generic name of omeprazole, is indicated for the treatment of heartburn or irritation of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly called GERD. Prilosec may also be prescribed to aid healing of erosive esophagitis. Prilosec belongs to the class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, which work by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Prilosec may not be a suitable or effective medicine for everyone. In addition, the active ingredient in Prilosec may be associated with an increased risk of bone fracture. There are alternative drugs to Prilosec, but their use should be discussed with a doctor.
Protonix
Like Prilosec, Protonix, also known by the generic name pantoprazole, is a proton pump inhibitor. It is available as delayed-release capsules or as delayed-release granules which can be mixed with apple juice or apple sauce to aid swallowing. Like Prilosec, Protonix works by decreasing the production of stomach acid, thus relieving heartburn symptoms. Patients taking Protonix may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement as Protonix can hinder the absorption of this vitamin, leading to B12 deficiency. According to the information website RxList, long-term Protonix use can lead to stomach cancer in animals, but it is not yet known if it causes the same effect in humans.
Zegerid
Another proton pump inhibitor indicated for the treatment of GERD is Zegerid which combines omeprazole, the same drug used in Prilosec, and sodium bicarbonate. Zegerid may also be used to treat stomach ulcers. Zegerid may not be a suitable treatment for patients on a sodium restricted diet because the sodium bicarbonate contained in Zegerid is a source of sodium. In addition, all prescription PPIs carry the following FDA warning: "Bone Fracture: Long-term and multiple daily dose PPI therapy may be associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine."
Prevacid
Prevacid is the brand name for the drug known as lansoprazole. It is available as as delayed-release capsules or as delayed release orally disintegrating tablets. Prevacid is indicated for a number of conditions that involve excessive stomach acid such as GERD and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It also helps to prevent stomach ulcers and helps to heal erosive esophagitis. As some forms of the active ingredient, lansoprazole, can sometimes contain phenylalanine, patients who suffer from phenylketonuria should not use this drug, RxList notes.
Aciphex
Aciphex, also known by its generic name of rabeprazole, is another alternative to Prilosec and comes in the form delayed release capsules. The correct dose of Aciphex will vary according to the condition it has been prescribed to treat, according to the MayoClinic.com. For example a patient using Aciphex for duodenal ulcers associated with an H. pylori infection may have to take the drug twice per day, whereas it may only need to be taken once per day for GERD. A doctor should advise on the correct dose.
