what is the difference between prilosec and zantac
What is the Difference Between Prilosec and Zantac?
Although both drugs inhibit secretion of stomach acids, Prilosec and Zantac belong to the different class of drugs, and moreover, their mechanism of action is also not the same. The following Buzzle article gives a Prilosec vs Zantac comparison in detail.
Did You Know?
Regularly taking gastric acid inhibitors such as Prilosec and Zantac interferes with vitamin B12 absorption, thus leading to its deficiency.Prilosec Vs. Zantac
Type of Drug
♦ Prilosec belongs to the class of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs).
♦ Zantac belongs to the group of Histamine 2 blockers, also referred to as H2-recepter antagonists.
Active Ingredients
♦ The primary ingredient in Prilosec is omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, that targets certain enzymes to reduce secretion of stomach acids.
♦ The primary ingredient in Zantac is ranitidine, a new H2-receptor antagonist that targets histamine to lower stomach acid production.
Mechanism of Action
♦ Prilosec inhibits the activity of hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphate, an enzyme commonly referred to as the proton pump. The proton pumps that lie in the parietal cells lining the stomach wall are chiefly involved in the secretion of stomach acid. The medication deactivates these proton pumps, which significantly curbs stomach acid production
♦ As the name suggests, it targets histamine, a chemical secreted by the stomach. It is observed that the binding of histamine to H2 receptors results in the production of stomach acids by parietal cells. However, the drug interferes with this process of acid secretion by not allowing histamine to attach to H2 receptors. This works in blocking secretion of stomach acids considerably.
Efficacy
♦ Don't expect your symptoms to diminish right away after taking the dose. It may take up to 4 days for you to experience its full therapeutic benefits.
♦ The patient is likely to experience relief within 24 hours after beginning the dose.
Availability
♦ Prilosec is available in capsule strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. Moreover, these capsules are delayed-release, meaning the capsule has a enteric coating which ensures that the medicine remains unaffected by the negative impact of the stomach acid. As a result, its active ingredient reaches the intestine, where it is absorbed properly. It is also available as a suspension at a concentration of 2.5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml.
♦ Zantac is commonly available in 150 mg and 300 mg strength tablets. However, it is also sold in the form of syrups and granules. However, unlike Prilosec, delayed-release capsules are not available.