Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding PPIsWhat Is Lansoprazole?What Is Omeprazole?Dosing GuidelinesSide Effects and SafetyReview of EfficacyAlternative Treatment OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Understanding PPIs
What Is Lansoprazole?
What Is Omeprazole?
Dosing Guidelines
Side Effects and Safety
Review of Efficacy
Alternative Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Lansoprazole(brand name: Prevacid) andomeprazole(brand name: Prilosec) belong to a class of medications known asproton pump inhibitors (PPIs).PPIs are the most commonly prescribed class of drugs forheartburn.
While their uses are similar, lansoprazole and omeprazole contain different active ingredients and are administered at different doses.
Furthermore, while they have similar effectiveness rates, their onset and duration of action may vary.Finally, the conditions they are FDA-approved to treat differ slightly.
Understanding the differences between these drugs is crucial in making strides to correctly address the digestive conditions you or a loved one may face.
This article will provide an overview of lansoprazole and omeprazole, highlighting their similarities and differences, guidance on using them safely, potential side effects, storage requirements, and more.
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Understanding Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs are a class of drugs used to treat various conditions related to thedigestive systemand acid-reflux disorders.
Commonly Used PPIs
Examples of commonly used PPIs include:
Of the available PPIs, lansoprazole and omeprazole have been on the market for the longest period.
Of the six PPIs approved for use in the United States, only three are available via prescription.
What They Treat
PPIs are commonly used to relieve symptoms of GERD or acid reflux.
Other conditions PPIs treat include the following:
How GERD Occurs
GERD occurs when substances in the stomach back up into the esophagus and often results in symptoms such as heartburn andacid reflux.
The muscle that allows food to pass into the stomach and typically prevents this from happening is called thelower esophageal sphincter.
If this muscle isn’t functioning correctly, GERD may occur.
Factors that can affect muscle function and lead to GERD include:
GERD impacts at least 20% of adults in the United States.
Symptoms of GERD
GERD-related symptoms can vary but may include the following:
Inform your healthcare provider if you are experiencing severe GERD symptoms. These include chest pain,chronic cough, orasthma.
How Is GERD Treated?
Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and adjusting eating habits can help minimize symptoms.
The following prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication classes are also commonly used to manage GERD:
Lansoprazole has many FDA-approved uses, including the following:
Forms of Administration
Lansoprazole is available as a delayed-release (DR) capsule and as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) powder for suspension (to be mixed with liquid).
It is available as a prescription and OTC under Prevacid, SoluTab, and Prevacid 24HR.
Off-Label Uses
A medication is off-label when prescribed for a purpose or at a dose other than its FDA-approved and intended use.
PPIs may be used off-label beforeendoscopic proceduresin high-risk individuals who are also on antiplatelet therapy and to preventnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-induced ulcers.
PPIs may also help treat certain types of cancer, but research in this area is ongoing.
Lansoprazole is not an active ingredient in any other medications.
How It Works
Omeprazole is FDA-approved to treat the following conditions:
Children as young as 1 year old can take omeprazole.
Omeprazole is available for administration as a DR capsule and tablet and as granules for suspension.
It is available as a prescription and OTC under the brand names Prilosec and Prilosec OTC.
Use In Other Products
Omeprazole is found as an active ingredient in the brand-name drugs Talicia (amoxicillin/omeprazole/rifabutin) and Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) for the treatment ofHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Omeprazole is also present in Konvomep (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) as a liquid suspension, a drug used to treat benign gastric ulcers.
The following outlines basic dosing guidelines for the use of lansoprazole versus omeprazole:
Note that an asterisk symbol indicates weight-based dosing.
How Quickly Does Each Drug Work?
Neither medication should be taken for the immediate relief of heartburn-related symptoms.
It may take up to four days for lansoprazole and omeprazole to begin to work, and they should be taken daily as directed to maintain their desired effect.
Both medications are expelledthrough the bowels.
There are no significant differences in side effects among varying types of PPIs.
While side effects are similar among PPIs overall, switching to another PPI may be a helpful strategy in side effect management should they occur.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of lansoprazole and omeprazole include:
Severe Side Effects
More severe, long-term side effects include:
Safely Taking Lansoprazole or Omeprazole
Lansoprazole and omeprazole should be taken once daily in the morning before eating, as food can delay PPI absorption.
They should not be taken on an as-needed basis.
Swallow the capsules and tablets whole and avoid crushing or chewing them. Only the capsules can be opened, and contents are poured into food or juice, such as applesauce, for people with trouble swallowing.
You should never double your dose, but taking a missed dose as soon as you remember is OK. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your usual schedule.
The medication may not work how it should if you frequently miss doses or stop taking it as directed.
Both medications are intended for short-term use only. When used to treat symptomatic GERD, both medications can be used for up to eight weeks.
These medications should be avoided in pregnant and breastfeeding people. Consult with a healthcare provider before using.
Potential for Interaction
Due to the mechanism of action of this group of medications, it is crucial to make your healthcare provider aware of any OTC medications, prescription drugs, or herbal vitamins and supplements you are taking.
Avoid taking PPIs with the following medications due to their potential to affect absorption and effectiveness:
There are no significant differences in safety and efficacy among PPIs, and they have been proven effective at safely managing gastrointestinal and acid-related conditions.
One study found that lansoprazole helped lessen GERD symptoms more quickly and effectively than omeprazole and concluded that both medications were safe, effective, and well-tolerated.
Another study yielded similar results and found that while the two medications had a similar effect on gastric acidity, lansoprazole was more effective.
An analysis of PPI clinical trials found that the PPI esomeprazole was more effective in GERD treatment than omeprazole. Otherwise, no significant differences were identified among the PPIs tested.
Lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of GERD.
Non-drug options for minimizing symptoms include: inclining your body and elevating your head while you sleep (especially if nighttime symptoms are present), avoiding eating meals within three hours of going to sleep, and stopping smoking.
Certain foodsor drinks can trigger GERD symptoms.
Avoiding the following triggers is a way to improve or even prevent GERD symptoms:
Surgeryis also an option to manage GERD that does not improve with lifestyle changes or medications but may be considered a high-risk option.
Summary
They are both available as prescription medications and OTC. They have different active ingredients and are effectively used at different doses.
They work similarly and are both effective medications.The conditions they are approved to treat differ, but there is some crossover.
Understanding the differences between these drugs is an important step in choosing the best and most appropriate therapy.
Neither medication is intended for long-term use. If symptoms have not improved after taking either medication as directed, consult your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked QuestionsPPIs should be stored in a secure, dry area at room temperature (68–77 degrees F). Do not store PPIs in bathrooms or other areas susceptible to high heat, light, or moisture.They should be kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets.PPIs are typically well-tolerated. Side effects are more likely to occur with long-term use of the medication, so use it as directed.
PPIs should be stored in a secure, dry area at room temperature (68–77 degrees F). Do not store PPIs in bathrooms or other areas susceptible to high heat, light, or moisture.They should be kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
PPIs should be stored in a secure, dry area at room temperature (68–77 degrees F). Do not store PPIs in bathrooms or other areas susceptible to high heat, light, or moisture.
They should be kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
PPIs are typically well-tolerated. Side effects are more likely to occur with long-term use of the medication, so use it as directed.
25 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Prevacid- lansoprazole capsule, delayed release Prevacid Solutab- lansoprazole tablet, orally disintegrating, delayed release.DailyMed.Label: Prilosec - omeprazole magnesium capsule.Shin JM, Sachs G.Pharmacology of proton pump inhibitors.Current Gastroenterology Reports.2008;10(6), 528–534. doi.org/10.1007/s11894-008-0098-4National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.MedlinePlus.Proton pump inhibitors.DailyMed.Label: Nexium 24HR- esomeprazole magnesium capsule, delayed release Nexium 24HR Clearminis- esomeprazole magnesium capsule, delayed release.DailyMed.Label: Pantoprazole sodium DR - pantoprazole sodium tablet, delayed release.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA.25 years of proton pump inhibitors: a comprehensive review.Gut Liver. 2017;11(1):27-37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502StatPearls.Proton pump inhibitors (PPI).MedlinePlus.Gastroesophageal reflux disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your digestive system & how it works.MedlinePlus.Lansoprazole.MedlinePlus.Omeprazole.DailyMed.Label: Talicia- omeprazole magnesium, amoxicillin and rifabutin capsule, delayed release.DailyMed.Label: Zegerid - omeprazole, sodium bicarbonate capsule.DailyMed.Label: Konvomep- omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate kit.Zheng RN.Comparative study of omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole and esomeprazole for symptom relief in patients with reflux esophagitis.World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(8):990-5. doi:10.3748/wjg.15.990International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) - about GERD.Ochoa D, Román M, Cabaleiro T, Saiz-Rodríguez M, Mejía G, Abad-Santos F.Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole.BMC pharmacology & toxicology.2020;21(1):54. doi.org/10.1186/s40360-020-00433-2Lehault WB & Hughes DM.Review of the Long-Term Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors.Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS. 2017;34(2):19–23.Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA.25 years of proton pump inhibitors: a comprehensive review.Gut Liver.2017;11(1), 27–37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502Richter JE, Kahrilas PJ, Sontag SJ, Kovacs TO, Huang Pencyla JL.Comparing lansoprazole and omeprazole in onset of heartburn relief: results of a randomized, controlled trial in erosive esophagitis patients.The American journal of gastroenterology.2001;96(11), 3089-3098. doi:10.1016/S0002-9270(01)03825-4Janczewska I, Sagar M, Sjöstedt S, Hammarlund B, Iwarzon M, Seensalu R.Comparison of the effect of lansoprazole and omeprazole on intragastric acidity and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Scand J Gastroenterol.1998;33(12): 1239-1243. doi:10.1080/00365529850172304Klok RM, Postma MJ, van Hout BA, Brouwers JR.Meta-analysis: comparing the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in short-term use.Aliment Pharmacol Ther.2003;17(10):1237–1245. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01562.x
25 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Prevacid- lansoprazole capsule, delayed release Prevacid Solutab- lansoprazole tablet, orally disintegrating, delayed release.DailyMed.Label: Prilosec - omeprazole magnesium capsule.Shin JM, Sachs G.Pharmacology of proton pump inhibitors.Current Gastroenterology Reports.2008;10(6), 528–534. doi.org/10.1007/s11894-008-0098-4National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.MedlinePlus.Proton pump inhibitors.DailyMed.Label: Nexium 24HR- esomeprazole magnesium capsule, delayed release Nexium 24HR Clearminis- esomeprazole magnesium capsule, delayed release.DailyMed.Label: Pantoprazole sodium DR - pantoprazole sodium tablet, delayed release.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA.25 years of proton pump inhibitors: a comprehensive review.Gut Liver. 2017;11(1):27-37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502StatPearls.Proton pump inhibitors (PPI).MedlinePlus.Gastroesophageal reflux disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your digestive system & how it works.MedlinePlus.Lansoprazole.MedlinePlus.Omeprazole.DailyMed.Label: Talicia- omeprazole magnesium, amoxicillin and rifabutin capsule, delayed release.DailyMed.Label: Zegerid - omeprazole, sodium bicarbonate capsule.DailyMed.Label: Konvomep- omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate kit.Zheng RN.Comparative study of omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole and esomeprazole for symptom relief in patients with reflux esophagitis.World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(8):990-5. doi:10.3748/wjg.15.990International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) - about GERD.Ochoa D, Román M, Cabaleiro T, Saiz-Rodríguez M, Mejía G, Abad-Santos F.Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole.BMC pharmacology & toxicology.2020;21(1):54. doi.org/10.1186/s40360-020-00433-2Lehault WB & Hughes DM.Review of the Long-Term Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors.Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS. 2017;34(2):19–23.Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA.25 years of proton pump inhibitors: a comprehensive review.Gut Liver.2017;11(1), 27–37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502Richter JE, Kahrilas PJ, Sontag SJ, Kovacs TO, Huang Pencyla JL.Comparing lansoprazole and omeprazole in onset of heartburn relief: results of a randomized, controlled trial in erosive esophagitis patients.The American journal of gastroenterology.2001;96(11), 3089-3098. doi:10.1016/S0002-9270(01)03825-4Janczewska I, Sagar M, Sjöstedt S, Hammarlund B, Iwarzon M, Seensalu R.Comparison of the effect of lansoprazole and omeprazole on intragastric acidity and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Scand J Gastroenterol.1998;33(12): 1239-1243. doi:10.1080/00365529850172304Klok RM, Postma MJ, van Hout BA, Brouwers JR.Meta-analysis: comparing the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in short-term use.Aliment Pharmacol Ther.2003;17(10):1237–1245. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01562.x
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Label: Prevacid- lansoprazole capsule, delayed release Prevacid Solutab- lansoprazole tablet, orally disintegrating, delayed release.DailyMed.Label: Prilosec - omeprazole magnesium capsule.Shin JM, Sachs G.Pharmacology of proton pump inhibitors.Current Gastroenterology Reports.2008;10(6), 528–534. doi.org/10.1007/s11894-008-0098-4National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.MedlinePlus.Proton pump inhibitors.DailyMed.Label: Nexium 24HR- esomeprazole magnesium capsule, delayed release Nexium 24HR Clearminis- esomeprazole magnesium capsule, delayed release.DailyMed.Label: Pantoprazole sodium DR - pantoprazole sodium tablet, delayed release.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA.25 years of proton pump inhibitors: a comprehensive review.Gut Liver. 2017;11(1):27-37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502StatPearls.Proton pump inhibitors (PPI).MedlinePlus.Gastroesophageal reflux disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your digestive system & how it works.MedlinePlus.Lansoprazole.MedlinePlus.Omeprazole.DailyMed.Label: Talicia- omeprazole magnesium, amoxicillin and rifabutin capsule, delayed release.DailyMed.Label: Zegerid - omeprazole, sodium bicarbonate capsule.DailyMed.Label: Konvomep- omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate kit.Zheng RN.Comparative study of omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole and esomeprazole for symptom relief in patients with reflux esophagitis.World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(8):990-5. doi:10.3748/wjg.15.990International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) - about GERD.Ochoa D, Román M, Cabaleiro T, Saiz-Rodríguez M, Mejía G, Abad-Santos F.Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole.BMC pharmacology & toxicology.2020;21(1):54. doi.org/10.1186/s40360-020-00433-2Lehault WB & Hughes DM.Review of the Long-Term Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors.Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS. 2017;34(2):19–23.Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA.25 years of proton pump inhibitors: a comprehensive review.Gut Liver.2017;11(1), 27–37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502Richter JE, Kahrilas PJ, Sontag SJ, Kovacs TO, Huang Pencyla JL.Comparing lansoprazole and omeprazole in onset of heartburn relief: results of a randomized, controlled trial in erosive esophagitis patients.The American journal of gastroenterology.2001;96(11), 3089-3098. doi:10.1016/S0002-9270(01)03825-4Janczewska I, Sagar M, Sjöstedt S, Hammarlund B, Iwarzon M, Seensalu R.Comparison of the effect of lansoprazole and omeprazole on intragastric acidity and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Scand J Gastroenterol.1998;33(12): 1239-1243. doi:10.1080/00365529850172304Klok RM, Postma MJ, van Hout BA, Brouwers JR.Meta-analysis: comparing the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in short-term use.Aliment Pharmacol Ther.2003;17(10):1237–1245. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01562.x
DailyMed.Label: Prevacid- lansoprazole capsule, delayed release Prevacid Solutab- lansoprazole tablet, orally disintegrating, delayed release.
DailyMed.Label: Prilosec - omeprazole magnesium capsule.
Shin JM, Sachs G.Pharmacology of proton pump inhibitors.Current Gastroenterology Reports.2008;10(6), 528–534. doi.org/10.1007/s11894-008-0098-4
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.
MedlinePlus.Proton pump inhibitors.
DailyMed.Label: Nexium 24HR- esomeprazole magnesium capsule, delayed release Nexium 24HR Clearminis- esomeprazole magnesium capsule, delayed release.
DailyMed.Label: Pantoprazole sodium DR - pantoprazole sodium tablet, delayed release.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA.25 years of proton pump inhibitors: a comprehensive review.Gut Liver. 2017;11(1):27-37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502
StatPearls.Proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
MedlinePlus.Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your digestive system & how it works.
MedlinePlus.Lansoprazole.
MedlinePlus.Omeprazole.
DailyMed.Label: Talicia- omeprazole magnesium, amoxicillin and rifabutin capsule, delayed release.
DailyMed.Label: Zegerid - omeprazole, sodium bicarbonate capsule.
DailyMed.Label: Konvomep- omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate kit.
Zheng RN.Comparative study of omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole and esomeprazole for symptom relief in patients with reflux esophagitis.World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(8):990-5. doi:10.3748/wjg.15.990
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) - about GERD.
Ochoa D, Román M, Cabaleiro T, Saiz-Rodríguez M, Mejía G, Abad-Santos F.Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole.BMC pharmacology & toxicology.2020;21(1):54. doi.org/10.1186/s40360-020-00433-2
Lehault WB & Hughes DM.Review of the Long-Term Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors.Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS. 2017;34(2):19–23.
Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA.25 years of proton pump inhibitors: a comprehensive review.Gut Liver.2017;11(1), 27–37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502
Richter JE, Kahrilas PJ, Sontag SJ, Kovacs TO, Huang Pencyla JL.Comparing lansoprazole and omeprazole in onset of heartburn relief: results of a randomized, controlled trial in erosive esophagitis patients.The American journal of gastroenterology.2001;96(11), 3089-3098. doi:10.1016/S0002-9270(01)03825-4
Janczewska I, Sagar M, Sjöstedt S, Hammarlund B, Iwarzon M, Seensalu R.Comparison of the effect of lansoprazole and omeprazole on intragastric acidity and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Scand J Gastroenterol.1998;33(12): 1239-1243. doi:10.1080/00365529850172304
Klok RM, Postma MJ, van Hout BA, Brouwers JR.Meta-analysis: comparing the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in short-term use.Aliment Pharmacol Ther.2003;17(10):1237–1245. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01562.x
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