Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Famotidine?What Is Omeprazole?DosagesSide Effects and PrecautionsInteractionsOther Ways To Manage GERD
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Famotidine?
What Is Omeprazole?
Dosages
Side Effects and Precautions
Interactions
Other Ways To Manage GERD
Famotidine (Pepcid) and omeprazole (Prilosec) are popular effective treatment options for heartburn symptoms and are available as lower-cost generics. However, they differ in how they work, their duration of use, and their side effects. Famotidine works faster but omeprazole is more effective and lasts longer.
Famotidinetreatsgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).It also treats or prevents ulcers and other hypersecretory conditions (conditions that involve excess stomach acid).
Omeprazoleis used to treat similar conditions, in addition toHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infections.
Omeprazole.Clubfoto / Getty Images
Clubfoto / Getty Images
Famotidine is a generic medication that belongs to a drug class called histamine type-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), also known asH2 blockers.Famotidine is available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription strengths. Brand-name versions include Pepcid, Pepcid AC, and Zantac 360.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved OTC versions of famotidine for different indications other than their prescription versions. OTC famotidine, such as Pepcid AC, prevents and treats heartburn in adults and children 12 years and older.
The prescription version of famotidine is FDA-approved for treating stomach or intestinal ulcers and GERD in adults and some children. It’s also used in adults to:
How Does Famotidine Work?
Taking famotidine 15 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking can help prevent or lessen heartburn symptoms.
Famotidine starts working within one hour, and its effects last about 12 hours.
Omeprazole is a generic medication that belongs to a class of drugs calledproton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Omeprazole is available in prescription and nonprescription (OTC) strengths.
The prescription version of omeprazole is FDA-approved to treat damage from GERD in adults and children older than 1 month of age.
Prescription omeprazoleis also approved to treat the following in adults:
Omeprazole may be prescribed for short-term or long-term use, depending on the user’s condition.
Unlike famotidine, omeprazole is not meant to provide quick relief from heartburn and, initially, can take a few days to start working.
How Does Omeprazole Work?
As a PPI, omeprazole lowers the amount of acid in your stomach but does so in a different way than famotidine.
Omeprazole is not an antacid, and it does not provide instant relief fromheartburn symptoms. It can take one to four days of treatment before omeprazole reaches its full effect.
However, some people will notice some relief of heartburn symptoms within the first 24 hours. It usually keeps working to decrease stomach acid production for about a day.
How Do the Dosages Compare for Famotidine vs. Omeprazole?
Famotidine and omeprazole have different recommended dosages.
Your healthcare provider may adjust or reduce your dosage if you have certain health conditions, kidney impairment, or if you take other medications.
Be sure to take the dosage your provider recommends.
Famotidine Dosage Forms and Strengths:
Adult Dosage (Based On Condition):
Omeprazole Dosage Forms and Strengths:
Adult Dosage (Based on Condition):
Famotidine and omeprazole can also be prescribed to children. The dosages vary depending on the child’s age, weight, and condition. Your child’s healthcare provider will recommend or prescribe the dosage that suits your child’s needs.
Famotidine is approved for the following uses in children:
Omeprazole is approved for treating the following conditions in children:
Taking Omeprazole and Famotidine Together
While most people find relief with just one medication, healthcare providers sometimes recommend taking both omeprazole and famotidine for severe symptoms. It is safe to use both since they work differently in the body. For example, your provider may suggest taking omeprazole upon waking in the morning and famotidine before your evening meal. Taking both can provide an additive effect to reduce reflux symptoms.
There are potential common, serious, and long-term side effects of famotidine and omeprazole.
The following table is not all-inclusive; other side effects may occur.
Rarely, serious or long-term side effects of famotidine may include:
Rarely, serious or long-term side effects of omeprazole may include:
If you take omeprazole on a long-term basis, your healthcare provider may recommend specific dietary supplements, such as vitamin B12, magnesium, or other minerals.
Before taking OTC famotidine or omeprazole, check the label for any precautions or warnings that may apply to you.
Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking these medications if you have any health conditions, take other medications or supplements, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions for Famotidine vs. Omeprazole
Drug interactions are possible with famotidine and omeprazole. This section describes some of the most important interactions to be aware of, but others may occur.
Examples of interactions with famotidine include the following:
Examples of interactions with omeprazole include the following:
Before starting famotidine or omeprazole, tell your healthcare provider about all of the OTC drugs, supplements, and medications you take. Your provider can ensure they are safe to take together.
What Are Other Ways To Help Manage GERD?
Your healthcare provider may recommend the following tips that can help:
Foods and drinks that commonly cause or worsen acid reflux symptoms include:
The following foods mayhelp prevent acid reflux:
These additional tips may also help:
Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control acid reflux symptoms. For best results, continue to follow lifestyle and dietary changes while taking medications for GERD.
Summary
Famotidine and omeprazole treat similar conditions but work in different ways to reduce stomach acid. These drugs are available in OTC and prescription strengths.
Both medications can cause side effects and should not be continued for long-term treatment without the supervision of a healthcare provider. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about whether famotidine or omeprazole may be right for you.
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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.
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