Ranitidine versus omeprazole

Ulcers of the intestines and stomach occur when your gastric system makes acids at a sub-optimal level. If left unchecked, acidic imbalances can often cause inflammation of food pipe (erosive esophagitis) heartburn, GRED, etc. Taking needful meds is necessary for preventing these conditions becoming worse. Ranitidine – a drug belonging to a genre called H2 blockers, is used to treat gastric conditions. In the same light, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole are also used. Ranitidine versus omeprazole – it pays to know the differences in between these meds.

Stomach acids act as digestive agents to help breakdown amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. Changes in the production level of stomach acids is likely to cause ulcers. Moreover, living with stress, eating spicy foods, excessive intake of alcohol, consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, microbial infections – especially, a strand called H. pylori, etc. are other possible causes of ulcers.

What is ranitidine?

Ranitidine is chiefly used for reducing stomach acid levels. It belongs to a category called H2 blockers. Zantac is a popular brand with ranitidine as an active ingredient. This branded version was launched in early 1980s. It works by inhibiting histamine which leads to reducing acids made by cells in the gastric tract. However, owing to health concerns such as gastric cancers, this med is withdrawn from US since 2020. Australia and the European Union too have imposed restrictions on the availability of this med.

What is omeprazole?

Omeprazole is categorised as part of a genre of meds known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It is commonly used for the treatment of acid reflux, heartburns, GERD, etc. Of many of its branded variants, Prilosec is a widely prescribed label. Similar to ranitidine, omeprazole helps decrease acids made by stomach cells. This med is used for treating the signs of GERD / acid reflux.

Ranitidine versus omeprazole

Ranitidine is grouped under H2-antagonists while omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Both these meds – in their own unique way – regulate acids made in your stomach lining; these meds are used for treating ulcers, GERD and heartburn. Ranitidine is available as pills, capsules, liquid suspension and also as an injection. On the other hand, omeprazole is sold as a pill and as a capsule. Another significant variable of omeprazole vs ranitidine – half-life period of omeprazole is 1.5 hours. Ranitidine has a half-life span of 2.5 hours.

Omeprazole vs famotidine

Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker that can treat gastric ulcers caused by increase in stomach acid levels. Omeprazole – a proton pump inhibitor – treats the above condition; however, it can also treat gastric infections caused by H pylori. The typical dosage of famotidine is 10 mg (pill) while omeprazole is taken as a 20 mg tablet. Both these meds are administered onto children; the doses given to younger patients depend on their age, body weight as well as severity of their underlying gastric condition.

Users of famotidine may witness adverse effects like migraines, being dizzy, difficulties to pass stools, etc. If constipation turns severe, your caregiver may prescribe a stool softening med or a laxative. You are advised not to use laxatives regularly as such meds are habit forming.
Common side effects of omeprazole are pain in lower abdomen, gas formation, nausea, vomiting, coughing (among younger patients), discharge of watery stools, etc. Most of these are categorised as mildly adverse side effects.

Some users may develop a few serious side effects like palpitations, being depressed, rapid heartbeats, etc. Upon sensing one or more of these acute side effects, it is a safe thing to call 911 (in US) or reach out to Health Canadian (if you reside in one of the provinces in Canada).

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.