Key takeaways

Zantac (ranitidine) and Prilosec (omeprazole) are used to treat GERD and other gastrointestinal conditions, with Zantac acting as a histamine H2 antagonist and Prilosec as a proton pump inhibitor.
Both medications can decrease acid production to alleviate acid reflux, but they work through different mechanisms and have distinct drug classifications.
Zantac and Prilosec can cause similar side effects like abdominal discomfort or diarrhea, though Prilosec may have a higher risk of adverse effects such as C. diff infection.
Despite their efficacy in symptom relief within 24 hours, neither Zantac nor Prilosec is recommended for long-term use without medical supervision due to potential health risks.

In April 2020, the FDA requested the recall of Zantac. Learn more here.

Zantac has been recalled by the FDA. Consult your doctor about which medication is right for you. Read more about the recall here. The original post has been preserved for informational purposes only.

Zantac (ranitidine) and Prilosec (omeprazole) are two brand name medications that can treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Zantac works as a histamine H2 antagonist and Prilosec works as a proton pump inhibitor. Although they both work differently, they produce similar effects such as reduced stomach acid. Their similarities and differences will be reviewed here.

Zantac

Zantac is the brand name for ranitidine. As a histamine H2 antagonist, it blocks the production of acid by blocking histamine in the stomach. Other than GERD, Zantac is approved to treat stomach ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and other hypersecretory conditions.

Zantac is available as a 75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg oral tablet. It is usually taken once or twice per day depending on the condition being treater. Symptom relief is usually felt within 24 hours of taking Zantac for GERD. Zantac is not usually recommended for long-term use.

Zantac may be need to be monitored in those with liver or kidney impairment.

Prilosec

Prilosec is the brand name for omeprazole. As a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), it works directly on acid pumps in the stomach to reduce acid production. Prilosec can treat stomach ulcers, erosive esophagitis, GERD, and other hypersecretory conditions. Prilosec can also treat H. pylori infections as well as Barrett’s esophagus.

Prilosec is available as a 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg delayed-release capsule. An oral suspension is also available in 2.5 mg and 10 mg single dose packets. Like Zantac, Prilosec may take at least 24 hours for full symptom relief.

Prilosec can be dosed once or twice per day up to 8 weeks or more depending on the condition being treated. Dosage adjustments may be needed in those with kidney problems.

Zantac vs Prilosec Side by Side Comparison

Zantac and Prilosec are medications that can produce similar effects. While they are similar in some ways, they are also very different. Their features can be found in the comparison table below.

Zantac	Prilosec
Prescribed For
Duodenal ulcers Erosive esophagitis Gastric ulcers Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Gastric hypersecretion Zollinger-Ellison syndrome	Duodenal ulcers Erosive esophagitis Gastric ulcers Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Gastric hypersecretion Zollinger-Ellison syndrome H. pylori infection Barrett’s esophagus
Drug Classification
Histamine (H2) Blocker	Proton Pump Inhibitor
Manufacturer
Sanofi	AstraZeneca
Common Side Effects
Headache Constipation Abdominal pain Nausea Diarrhea Vomiting Rash Fever	Headache Constipation Abdominal pain Nausea Diarrhea Vomiting Flatulence Rash Fever
Is there a generic?
Yes, ranitidine	Yes, omeprazole
Is it covered by insurance?
Varies according to your provider	Varies according to your provider
Dosage Forms
Oral tablet Oral capsule Oral powder for suspension Oral solution Oral syrup Injection solution	Oral tablet, delayed release Oral capsule, delayed release Oral powder for suspension
Average Cash Price
$390 per 60 tablets (150 mg)	$58.44 per 30 tablets (20 mg)
SingleCare Discount Price
Zantac Price	Prilosec Price
Drug Interactions
Procainamide Warfarin Atazanavir Delavirdine Gefitinib Erlotinib Glipizide Ketoconazole Itraconazole Midazolam Triazolam	Rilpivirine Warfarin Atazanavir Methotrexate Clopidogrel Erlotinib Citalopram Ketoconazole Cilostazol Phenytoin Diazepam Digoxin Iron salts Clarithromycin Tacrolimus
Can I use while planning pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding?
Zantac is in Pregnancy Category B. It does not pose a risk for fetal harm. Consult a doctor regarding steps to take if planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.	Prilosec is in Pregnancy Category C. Not enough research has been performed in humans. Consult a doctor regarding steps to take if planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Summary

Zantac (ranitidine) and Prilosec (omeprazole) are two drugs that can treat GERD and other gastrointestinal conditions. Zantac is a histamine antagonist while Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor. While they work in different ways, both drugs can decrease acid production that is responsible for acid reflux.

Both Zantac and Prilosec can be purchased over the counter. They both have similar side effects such as abdominal discomfort or diarrhea. However, these side effects are usually minimal and decrease over time. As a PPI, omeprazole may have a higher risk of adverse effects such as C. diff infection.

Both drugs produce symptom relief within 24 hours. While they can help treat GERD and other conditions, they should not be used long-term or longer than necessary. It is important to talk with your doctor about these medications if you have GERD. One medication may be better for depending on your symptoms and other medications you take.