Difference between Omeprazole and Prevacid
Illnesses related to digestive system have become quite common in recent years. There have been many medications that are treating them and there is more research being done as we speak in the field. Some of the options available in the market are over the counter while for others; you need to have a doctor’s prescription.
Omeprazole, better known for its product name Prilosec and Prevacid are two medicines that are quite often used to treat acid reflux issues inside the stomach. Both have been found to be quite effective and have their own advantages.
One of the differences between the two is that Prilosec is over the counter while Prevacid has to be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner. The price difference is also quite a bit and Prevacid costs about four to six times the price of Prilosec.
Prilosec has been around longer and therefore more studies on its adverse effects have been conducted in comparison with Prevacid.
Instructions
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1
Omeprazole
It is an over the counter drug that is used for controlling gastric problems, mainly the acid reflux. It is generally administered for a relatively longer period of time. It is generally not prescribed for less than two weeks.
The dosage is in 10, 20 and 40mg and is generally taken once a day. The side effects of the medication involve nausea, constipation, headache and gas that forms in the tummy. Studies have found it to be quite an effective and safe drug.
The price is generally less than thirty dollars and that makes the medication quite price effective. Alternatives include Ranitidine, Pepcid, Nexium and Protonix.
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2
Prevacid
It is a prescription only drug that is used to treat acid reflux disease, commonly known as heartburn. It is prescribed by a physician as per the needs of individual patients and generally the minimum time period for which this is used is two weeks. There is no clear upper limit.
The product is pretty pricey and costs from 120 to 190 dollars. In case of health insurance, the price can almost be entirely covered.
It is generally used once a day and is available in 15 and 30mg doses. Research has shown that the drug has had fast results and provides relief within a couple of weeks of use to a great extent. It can have general tummy related side effects though in some cases, there have been more serious side effects.
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