Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Prilosec vs Nexium vs EGD
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Prilosec vs Nexium vs EGD
by d97cards, Jan 03, 2004 12:00AM
Thanks for this chance to visit. My mom is 80. Good health. She had surgery 20 years ago where 18 inches of small bowell were removed due to loop of small bowell being trapped in an adhesion. Since then, off and on, has had diarhhea/GERD. Has had cononoscopy ( 1 year ago) and EEG about 8 years ago. Now, takes 20 mg Prilosec daily and takes Questran (for the excessive bile allegedly not absorbed due to the reduction of small bowell because of surgery,) every day. Symptoms now--burning in throat, some hoarseness, shallow breathing, hives-like symptoms, itching, diarhhea (yellowish bile-like).
Her gastro doc says to increase Prilosec to twice a day.
Here's my questions
1. He's suggested Nexium as an alternative. Can you comment about the differences and about the relative successes compared to Prilosec?
2. Im concerned that the gastro needs to do an EEG or CT scan to SEE what is going on, instead of playing with these meds which are not working. That seems like the time when you need to do more tests. My mom is very worried and its causing her quite a bit of concern about whether she has a malignancy ...lots of anxiety, sleeplessness....at 80. Is that unreasonable to ask for at this time. We really like him but I want to be sure that there is no cancer or ulcer or whatever. I mean, its been 8 years since another gastro doc did an EEG, which saw nothing except a really red esophogus.
3. Is there a known problem with taking Questran or Prilosec for a long time?
Thanks so much for all the comments you all would care to make
Her gastro doc says to increase Prilosec to twice a day.
Here's my questions
1. He's suggested Nexium as an alternative. Can you comment about the differences and about the relative successes compared to Prilosec?
2. Im concerned that the gastro needs to do an EEG or CT scan to SEE what is going on, instead of playing with these meds which are not working. That seems like the time when you need to do more tests. My mom is very worried and its causing her quite a bit of concern about whether she has a malignancy ...lots of anxiety, sleeplessness....at 80. Is that unreasonable to ask for at this time. We really like him but I want to be sure that there is no cancer or ulcer or whatever. I mean, its been 8 years since another gastro doc did an EEG, which saw nothing except a really red esophogus.
3. Is there a known problem with taking Questran or Prilosec for a long time?
Thanks so much for all the comments you all would care to make
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 05, 2004 12:00AM
, Jan 05, 2004 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) There are some studies that suggest Nexium reduces esophageal erosion, but in practice they are from the same class of medication and should work the same. There are some anecdotal reports of patients responding better to one PPI versus another.
2) I think you mean an EGD (an EEG is used to diagnose seizures). It is not unreasonable to ask for this as it is the most comprehensive test we have to evaluate the upper GI tract.
3) Chronic use of Questran may be associated with bleeding problems (especially in high doses). Prilosec is a relatively safe medication that can be used for a chronic period of time. You may want to discuss this specific question with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
1) There are some studies that suggest Nexium reduces esophageal erosion, but in practice they are from the same class of medication and should work the same. There are some anecdotal reports of patients responding better to one PPI versus another.
2) I think you mean an EGD (an EEG is used to diagnose seizures). It is not unreasonable to ask for this as it is the most comprehensive test we have to evaluate the upper GI tract.
3) Chronic use of Questran may be associated with bleeding problems (especially in high doses). Prilosec is a relatively safe medication that can be used for a chronic period of time. You may want to discuss this specific question with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Expert Activity
Related Expert Forums
Related Communities
It seems like tonight, after mom ate, she felt ok, then the burning in the chest starts along with shallow, quick breathing. Shes taking Prilosec and Questran. Hopefully, the doc here can comment when he gets back