Pantoprazole (Protonix) vs Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Pantoprazole and Omeprazole are two drugs coming under the drug class category of proton pump inhibitors. Proton pumps are situated in mitochondrial membranes, which mean they are in almost all cells. The importance of these drugs is that they selectively inhibit proton pumps in the stomach lining. The mechanism of action is to selectively inhibit H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in gastric parietal cells. In the sense of organic chemistry, both these drugs are benzimidazoles containing substituted benzene ring and imidazole ring.
Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole also known by the trade name Protonix is a proton pump inhibitor. Its empirical formula is C16H14F2N3NaO4 S x 1.5 H2O and has a molecular weight of 432.4. This drug is prescribed to treat complications related to excessive acid secretion in the stomach such as damage to esophagus and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. However, this drug cannot render immediate relief from heartburns. When taking the drug prescriptions should be followed accurately. The tablet should be taken 30 minutes before meals. The pill should be swallowed as a whole without chewing because it may damage the coating which is designed to protect the stomach. Granular suspension should be taken only with apple juice. Sometimes the granular suspension is delivered through nasogastric feeding tube. There are a number of harmful effects of the drug.
Animal studies have shown the chronic usage of Pantoprazole may cause stomach cancers although it is not confirmed with humans up to date. Tendency to increase bone fracture in hips, wrists, and spine is also found through clinical studies. Long term usage has shown to decrease the Vitamin B12 absorption and, therefore, cause B12 deficiency. Apart from all the harmful effects the drug also has various side effects associated. Uneven and fast heart rate, muscle weakness, diarrhea, coughing and choking, headache and troubles in memory are some of the serious side effects. In addition weight change, stomach pain, insomnia is also experienced.
Pantoprazole should not be taken if one is allergic to the drug. It should not be taken while under medication of other benzimidazole drugs. If a person is taking HIV AIDS medicine, ampicillin, blood thinner, water pills, iron tablets, diabetes medicine, it is important to seek medical advice before taking Pantoprazole.
Omeprazole
Omeprazole is also a proton pump inhibitor. It is also known by the trade names Prilosec and Zegerid. The empirical formula of omeprazole is C17H19N3O3S and has a molecular weight of 345.42. Omeprazole is also prescribed for complications related with excess acid secretion in the stomach. It is used to treat damaged esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Sometimes omeprazole is prescribed along with antibiotics to treat ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infections.
Side effects, effects due to prolonged use and other medication which should be generally avoided are quite similar for the two drugs.
Pantoprazole vs Omeprazole
• Pantoprazole has a molecular weight of 432.4 and Omeprazole has a molecular weight of 345.42.
• The drugs are structurally different due to the various substituents and is indicated by Pantoprazole having empirical formula C16H14F2N3NaO4 S x 1.5 H2O and Omeprazole having the empirical formula C17H19N3O3S.
Kitten says
due to medicare age now, they are refusing to cover pantoprazole 40MG for me now after a temporary allow time. It’s been more yrs than I can remember since having been perscribed it. It’s been 45yrs with migraine headaches and the gazillion trial of many meds to alleviate them that has ruined my stomach!!! Is there not someone somewhere that can make life a little less difficult by the time you hit your senior yrs??? Just one person please…
to come up with some affordable answers!!!
Rose Moore says
I’m on medicaid and about twice a year my insurance denies me the same medication, pantoprazole 40mg, even though I’ve also been on it for probably at least 10 years or more. I’m actually taking it twice a day for the past few years. Anyway, my doctor has to write up some report or something to fax over to them saying that I’ve taken all the other medications in my past and this is the only one that works for me so I have to take it. So it usually takes at least a few days for it all to go through then they allow me to have it again. I guess this medication isn’t one on their common “list” of drugs or something, even though there is a generic b/c in the beginning I took Protonix, but whatever their stupid reason they still deny me twice a year making my doctor write up the same info saying why I have to take it, and this has been going on for about 9 years since I moved here (different state, which there medicaid has been better than it was when I lived in AZ). Anyway, my point is that if you need to take this medication you need to have your doctor fight for you to the insurance explaining why you need to be in on it. That’s the only way it will work, you appealing it probably won’t help, you need your doctor. So tell him or her what’s going and ask for help. Good luck.
Mike says
Rose, I’m on medicare also. Not sure if my doctor did it or if the pharmacy did it, but I have been taking 40mg pantoprazole for over 10 years. I have been on medicare for 1 year and this time when I got my new prescription it was 20mg omeprazole. I did some research and found that there is very little difference between the two. Just thought I’d share this with you. Good luck.
Jane says
Both cause stomach cancer. Look up the MANY side affects. There’s a major Class Action suite against Omeprazole makers.
Bonnie R says
Costco pharmacy has it for members Cash Price ( meaning no insurance) for $15.00 for 90 day supply
Patricia Parten says
My husband is on chemo treatment and he gets awful heartburn. The first time he was given Prilosec and it did NOTHING. Absolutely nothing. He was prescribed Protonix and it worked like a charm…. so much for “They’re the same.” Clearly, they are NOT. Some work for some people but not for others. I hope all you nice people stop feeling heartburn: it’s awful. Happy New Year.
Michele Waters says
Thank YOU! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had to explain to my doctors that everyone has different biochemistry! For instance, Tylenol and Ibuprofen do nothing for me–even at Rx doses. I call I-bu-profen I be foolin’, I be fakin’, girlfriend. ZERO relief. Same thing with all forms of Naprosyn, Naproxin, Anaprox. Good ol’ aspirin does the job for me! More to the point, we’re individuals with unique blood chemistry.
ana becker says
please tell me : is another medicine, different, from: omeprazole and pantoprazole SOD ed 40 mg. I AM IN BLOOD THINNER AND WATER PILL.