Prilosec vs. Tagamet vs. Zantac

[Steve-Low]

  It is my understanding that Priosec, Tagamet, and Zantac are all intended to suppress the secretion of stomach acids. Why would one opt for the much more expensive Prilosec? Is it worth it?
Dear Steve,
Cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac) belong to the same class of acid suppressing agents called histamine receptor antagonists and if  given in equal doses work equivalently. On the other hand, omeperazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) are proton pump inhibitors and are very potent inhibitors of acid secretion. Most physicians will initially try cimetidine or ranitidine prior to considering the more costly proton pump inhibitors. Patients whose symptoms do not respond to histamine receptor antagonists will often obtain relief with proton pump inhibitors. In clinical trials where patients with erosive esophagitis and peptic ulcer disease are studied, patients report better symptom relief with proton pump inhibitors. Furthermore, faster healing rates are also seen with proton pump inhibitors.  I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
Keywords: histamine receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors

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